When considering the whole child, I think it is important to measure all aspects of their development, this includes social, intellectual, cognitive, and physical Children develop at different rates and not all children will do well on standardize testing. For example. When testing special needs, it is recommended that their tests be read aloud and that they have extra time to complete it. There are some high functioning students who are required to take their math and reading assessment on the computer and a teacher assistant usually accompany them, but cannot prompt them in any way. They can read the questions but cannot prompt them in any way. I believe that by testing all developmental areas, you get a better picture of the whole child and areas that they can improve on as well as areas they excel in.
Children in the United States go through several rigorous standards and assessments. Which starts as early as middle school? These tests include subject areas like Math, Science, Literacy, Writing, and Language Art. Large numbers of students have serious deficits in reading or mathematics by the time they enter middle school. Addressing the academic, emotional, and social needs of young adolescents is a challenge for underperforming middle schools.
Too many students enter ninth grade with serious deficits in reading or mathematics that prevent them from succeeding in advanced coursework and put them at risk of failure or dropping out.
To overcome poor performance patterns and wide achievement gaps, high schools need a coherent solution to get students back on track—quickly. The America’s Choice School Design for high schools offers a proven solution for improved results for all students.
It concerns me that the School Systems in the United States put special needs students through these assessments just so the school can get money. Testing should not be about the mighty dollar, but about learning. Special need students are hands on learners, not paper, pencil, and computers. To them these are supplies in their classrooms, not testing devices. Learning takes place in a child’s natural environment.
Reference
http://www.americaschoice.org/rigorousstandardsandassessments
