Unstandardized times and standardized tests are not compatible. State and national tests require coordination of researchers and schools. Many wonder how these tests can be part of this school year. Also, the National Report Card for accountability exams is a concern. However, testing may very well be delayed another year.
Unstandardized Times
There is a need for information on student academic growth during this disruption of schools. Any large test makes it difficult to compare results across districts and states.
States appear to live without the tests. Thus, some schools have permission by the Department of Education for a waiver for the 202-21 year. States argue that too many tests eliminate teaching/learning time. However, the data to retain students or to use toward graduation requirements became the focus.
Today, as students are in a virtual classroom, they can not properly prepare for tests. Also, schools can not properly administer state-required tests. The results to stop the standardized test in these unstandardized times may create a lasting effect. In some states, the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) have two options:
- As schools select remote learning, students get tests upon their return.
- Students take the test at a site that meets the approval of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Disappearing Standardized Tests
As standardized tests disappear, it is unknown whether students actually learn. However, there are students that do not test well. Therefore, the tests can not determine if there is learning. Even Michelle Obama states that she did not do well on standardized tests. Hence, standardized tests do not accurately measure a student’s intelligence and performance.
Many students have talents for skills that are not measured on standardized tests. Such students may excel in a foreign language or have musical and artistic talent. At times, these students score low or below-average on tests.
In the age of differentiated instruction, each student is unique. A standardized test cannot accurately determine individualized intelligence or specific academic growth with remote learning. This pandemic shows the need for a new type of test for these unstandardized times.
