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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]For your kids maybe it's easy, but not for all.  I love the idea posted above about having the tests more as a measuring stick to gauge further instruction verses determining ranking by having the testing in December. Seems like a win win solution.  [b]Those that need extra help would hopefully get it in smaller group instruction and others could move on to learning new things[/b].  Seems like a similar thing is done with the DRA testing.  The test is given in the fall and the spring to monitor progress and determine curriculum adjustments.  I realize that many people against testing may not  be for this additional test, however I think in the long run less emphasis would be placed on the test and would reduce anxiety among children since they would have already had the test once before.  Do they even have two similar tests available to administer though in one year or could the same test be given twice just for those that didn't pass?[/quote]

I believe that those who needed the extra attention to pass the test (which is apparently the metric used to assess performance) would receive the extra attention. I would worry how much attention and focus could legitimately and realistically be given to those who pass. I just think that the differentiation (on top of everything else) would impossible for the teachers.[/quote]

I have two kids with learning disabilities and because they have IEPs and receive special education, we (us and the school) have a better idea than most where they are academically.  [b]I think beginning of year testing and end of year testing (similar to the DRA) would be far more useful and informative[/b].  There would also be less stress on the kids.  We already know that our kids aren't likely to pass the SOLs and it's not because they don't know the material but because of anxiety and their learning disorders.  Virginia no longer allows an alternative assessment in lieu of the SOLs because there was no standard alternative assessment method and some schools were setting the bar pretty low - which has now ruined it for everyone.  We've done our best to try and minimize their stress about the tests but the environment at school is such that they get bent out of shape thinking about them.  I know they're not the only ones.  But, my kid and others like him are dragging down overall scores for everyone.  [b]Sorry[/b].

Standardized testing has it's place but there's got to be a better way.[/quote]

Those who are able to offer better solutions in one sentence shall not apologize for any result, hypothetical or otherwise, generated by a one-size-fits-all benchmark.[/quote]

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