Reply to Retaking tests in high school

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think your stance on this really comes down to what you think the purpose of school and testing is.
If you think school is designed to teach children material, and tests are designed to ascertain whether they have learned such material, then retakes make perfect sense.  They show the child has learned the material.

If you think that schools are designed to identify and reward the "smartest" kids and tests are designed to rank children, then retakes are akin to cheating.

In any case, I've never understood the comparison to the work world.  I absolutely revise and redo work at work.  I'll complete preparation for a presentation, and then sleep on it and revise it the next day.  Should I be punished because it wasn't perfect the first time?  Additionally, we have extensive peer reviews before major products are distributed or presentations are given.  We are far more focused on getting the best product at completion than judging each other on their first draft.

It's school with the "here's your one and only shot at learning something" that isn't the "real world"[/quote]

Well then if you let kids retake tests to improve their scores, then don't call them tests.  It becomes more of a work in progress as opposed to a measure of mastery of material.  By giving the option to retake, you are basically saying that mediocrity is ok the first time around.  I much prefer my child be in an environment that demands excellence.

There are plenty of opportunities during the school year for kids to be able to improve their mastery.  I have no problem with a chance to resubmit a project after getting feedback.  Even peer editing is a good thing.  Homework assignments also...no problem with redoing those for a better grade.

Bottom line, a test should be treated as a test.  When you kid gets to college, he won't be able to retake tests, trust me.[/quote]

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