Standardized Testing................. Are we doing this right?

This morning was the very first morning I sent my son to school and he would be testing on a standardized test for days. Luckily, he was super confident, happy, and ready to rock that test. (Which I know he did because he is as bright as the brightest bulb). However, as an educator I know testing to some degree is a necessary evil. You have to measure what was taught somehow... the question isn't should we test the kids. The question is how should we ASSESS the kids?  Teaching without testing is like driving without a speedometer. My argument lies where standardized tests are not progress monitoring. Teaches test thru the year giving formative assessments. A formative assessment INFORMS instruction. It gives us feedback if the students actually understood what was taught, and then we can go back to review and focus our efforts better. A standardized test is a summative assessment, it want to know what was learned in summary. These test essentially are less useful, because given a bad day, anxiety, nerves.... One cannot really measure what was taught in 10 months in 4 or 5 days... Broken down into 400 minutes or so of testing. I think truly it can't measure everything in a fair assessment. Moreover, in these education reform days.. these types of tests can damage a child or teacher's reputation!

Many districts use the information gathered on standardized tests to generate class lists, identify children in need of Basic Skills instruction, gifted and talented education, etc. Yes, in reality they use other means as well.... portfolios, teacher commentary, and student behavior.  I guess my thought lies in where do we "Allow" room for "differences" if we are all shooting for proficient and advanced proficient. What about little Jackie who is an English Language Learner? What about little Bobby who was born premature at 20 weeks?  What about little Ashley who has a hard time testing due to anxiety and nerves?  Seriously, these situations are becoming the norm and not the exception.

Standards Based Education has left little flexibility in the spectrum of developmental differences in children. The standards are based on the cognitive development of "typical" children. Your typical child will know and be able to do X,Y,Z at the end of Grade 1,2,3,4, and 5. That's how they are written and the literacy ones are based on the stages of literacy development. The question I pose is simple, is every 4 year old the same? Is every 21 year old driving? Sure, they CAN drive at 17. However, is every 21 year old a licensed driver? NO!  There are various factors that play into our individual differences, and these tests don't account for that.  Moreover, if a certain amount of kids don't pass schools, teachers, and admins can face backlash. Is this really the right way to Assess what was learned all year?

The irony I always found in standardized testing is that all year we are told as teachers to differentiate our lessons. This means to operate your classroom giving each child the "dose" of education that is right for them. Utilizing different processes or products to teach the same skill.  Then, at the end of the year the standardized test shows up and everyone gets the same test, and same amount of time to complete it. Standardized testing is the antithesis of differentiated instruction.  Somebody tell me I am crazy?? Does that seem logical?

So while I reflect on this experience of my "typical" kid who has all the right factors in his life to aid his development and cognition, many kids fall on the outside of those lines and have a tough time facing these tests and coming out on top.  When these students fail, we blame the teacher, the principal, and maybe the school. Which makes me think it cannot possibly be the fault of the administrators or the teachers, but rather its the flaws within the system and

 method of assessment. Why aren't we differentiating and customizing the tests and assessing them on their level within their capabilities?    

Are we doing this right?

Whatever would I do.......

I don't think this would be a Mommy blog if indeed I did not do a Mother's Day post, I feel like a veteran mommy now. This is my 8th Mother's Day to now 3 incredible kids, but what would I do without reflecting on a moment before my very first day as a mother.

I remember this like yesterday, I was 20 years old. I went to return something my mom purchased to the mall with her. I was about 5 months pregnant. I asked her in the most serious tone..... Do you think I am ready to be a mother? I don't know what I was thinking asking her that. I almost wanted her to tell me no, that I was too young and that I was definitely doing this mommy thing all wrong. Maybe I wanted her to tell me a joke, because she is so good at being funny just by being herself. I don't know if I was serious or if I needed her reassurance I was doing the right thing. I will always remember the way she looked at me and said.... "You won't ever be ready, she told me I was 28 when I had you and I wasn't ready for you then and I still am not now." Puzzled she told me flat out, having a baby isn't about if you are single, married, widowed, rich, or poor. My mother explained that all those things CAN and DO change. If you base having a child around those things they can all change, she said so honestly having a baby means you are ready for your entire heart to exist outside of your body. Everything you love, care for, and cherish now has taken form, and you can't ever imagine what it feels like until you have been there.   I felt reassured that though I could be in better situations, that I would never ever really truly be ready.......

Let me just say.... she was right. I read dozens of books, I took parenting classes, I took childbirth classes. I went and was CPR/First Aid certified. I did everything I could and still I was not ready for the little boy that came bouncing my way (and the 2 that follow him).  The amount of love, energy, dedication, drive, patience, and care could not be taught or prepared for.

They have made me work harder, act smarter, strive for goals I never thought of, work 2,3,4 jobs.  I was able to finish my B.A. degree at 23 WITH a 2 year old clapping in the crowd. My journey into motherhood started when I was young, but it did not take away from my life, it gave me a new life. It gave me focus, drive, purpose, and passion. Everything I do and did is for them. I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without my family, more importantly my mother who has always helped me, supported me, and been my brag brigade. To this day she always says how proud she is of the mother I turned out to be. How conscious I am of the food, academics, activities, and lifestyle my kids live. Indeed she notices how psycho I am about only wanting the best for them.

I reflect on that moment because like many IF she answered that question any differently I don't know how that would have impacted me. Thanks for always believing in me, even when I did not believe in myself.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!