Nikki Adeli, in her TED talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure” questions the purpose of standardized testing. If you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? Please state the reasons you would require these tests. Or, if you decided to eliminate standardized testing altogether, please describe what assessments of learning you would implement in its place. In what ways can you meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action...how can you, your school, and your community invest in your present students?
As a teacher in a small, rural district and the only teacher of ELA in HS, I welcome standardized testing for my own feedback/accountability as a teacher. I do think it could be just one of the ways to get data about standards learning. The other piece could be more human, and process & project based. We could use portfolios that keep a collection of learning samples and growth evidence. We could make our evidence of learning more project-based by a literary analysis in ELA or an argumentative paper. Or real world math problems, or in science - labs/data analysis. In Europe, they have external feedback/grading. So common rubrics are used and other schools grade the samples. It wouldn't have to be every student, but maybe just a sample, to check quality. Overall, it is nice to compare student achievement nationally and have something that is apples to apples because human grading is so subjective; however, some evidence of real-world or application and growth is more human. A balance of both would be ideal.
ReplyDeleteI do not think test measure anything really. Maybe some memorization. I certainly dont have all the answers and dont know that there is just 1 right answer. I think project based 'assessments would be more beneficial. Students must create something to show that they have learned and are able to actually apply what they have learned. Our high school does offer internship. I think its great. Kids can get into the field and it helps them determine what they want to do or even what they dont want to do!
ReplyDeleteIf you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? Please state the reasons you would require these tests. Or, if you decided to eliminate standardized testing altogether, please describe what assessments of learning you would implement in its place.
ReplyDeleteI would want to eliminate standardized testing altogether because it’s just a score. The score reflects where students are academically, but it doesn’t show what students know all together. When students take a standardized test it is one day that they take the test. The standardized test doesn’t show that the student had a rough morning, didn’t eat breakfast, didn’t get much sleep, parents fighting at home etc. There are many outside influences that influence test scores, but that is not shown with the standardized test. Project based assessments would be more appropriate. Students are able to show what they know and apply what they have learned.
In what ways can you meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action...how can you, your school, and your community invest in your present students?
Give students a choice. Students get to form learning skills and self development in the career where they want to go. Students get the opportunity to interact with the community.
Nikki Adeli, in her TED talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure” questions the purpose of standardized testing. If you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? Please state the reasons you would require these tests. Or, if you decided to eliminate standardized testing altogether, please describe what assessments of learning you would implement in its place.
ReplyDeleteI would eliminate testing altogether. We have put so much pressure into testing that I do not feel the scores are accurate anymore. So many students face tetsing anxiety that completely changes their score. We also have students who have tougher situations than others and aren't able to put the same effort, concentration, and focus into testing. There are so many factors that can affect a test score that they only take one time. I think there could be other ways to monitor progress or understanding of topics.
In what ways can you meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action...how can you, your school, and your community invest in your present students?
I think a great way to invest in present students is creating more real world situations to let them think, create, and implement ideas. They will more than likely use the skills they have been taught or need some guidance along the way. Give studetns an opportunity to be a part of their community. Share community issues and let them think to solve these problems.
Nikki Adeli, in her TED talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure” questions the purpose of standardized testing. If you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? I wouldn't say get rid of standardized testing altogether but I would so no single, high-stakes, one-day tests. The population of students at my school, largely come from a lower socioeconomic background. These types of tests simply are not reflective of what a child knows or is capable of. It is one test, on one day of the year. We can't control what situations a student might have been in on that particular day. Some students come to school hungry. Some have parents who are not present for various reasons. Some students are bounced back and forth from one house to another because they have a split family. Some students come to school and haven't slept all night. Not every child has the same advantages, and it is a lot of pressure on them and teachers to count on them to perform to their best ability. Especially if they are only given one chance.
ReplyDeleteWe also have to take into account that some kids have learning disabilities or trouble concentrating or test anxiety. Being on an IEP provides limited accommodations and it is not fair to expect all students to take the same test.
In what ways can you meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action...how can you, your school, and your community invest in your present students?
I would require "systems of evidence" rather than tests. For example, ongoing portfolios- based assessments where students have to provide writing samples showing the entire process they went through from draft to final product. Math problem solving and explanations, project and presentations, reflections. These types of assessments show growth over time, not just a snapshot. They allow multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. They capture skills standardized tests ignore such as reasoning, creativity and persistence.
Assessments should be proof of a student's strengths and how we help this student learn better. Not how we rank and label a student with a number.
I would get rid of the standardized testing all together. I believe that "No Child Left Behind" has in turn left many of our children behind as every child is expected to learn at the same rate and in the same way. Well... not all children do that, so as we teach for the test and follow our "curriculum", making sure that we are on track to get through everything before that April deadline, many are not learning at that pace or in that way/fashion. The other thing we are really good at, is doubling up on the subject/areas that a child has the most difficulty with and shoving so much into their developing brain- they cannot digest it. This builds up a resistance and makes it all worse.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would suggest is children learning at their paces, in their styles, and selecting the things that they enjoy and teaching/coaching each of them in that way. There are also multiple ways for a child to demonstrate understanding of a subject or skill. Some children like art- they can draw/build/create. Others enjoy writing- let them write. This can happen at all ages and may help keep kids in school and teach them to think and act more freely and critically as they grow, mature, and learn.
If I were in charge of standardized testing in my state and free from current mandates, I would eliminate most standardized testing altogether. Instead of primarily assessing students, I would focus on assessing the education system itself—its resources, equity, and the opportunities it provides for children and families. I would examine whether schools are creating environments that encourage creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and the pursuit of individual passions.
ReplyDeleteIn place of standardized tests, I would implement portfolio-based assessments, performance tasks, project-based learning demonstrations, and growth-based evaluations that reflect authentic learning. Especially in early childhood settings, assessment should include observational data, developmental progress, and demonstrations of skills in real-world contexts. To meet Adeli’s call to action, I can invest in my present students by creating meaningful, experience-based learning opportunities, advocating for equitable resources, partnering closely with families, and ensuring that each child feels seen, valued, and capable. By shifting the focus from scores to strengths, schools and communities can better prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
If I were in charge of standardized testing in South Dakota, I would focus on assessments that are meaningful and directly beneficial to each student’s goals rather than a one-size-fits-all test. With the state transitioning to the ACT for all juniors, we are already moving toward something that has real value since it can be used for college admissions, scholarships, and future planning. I would build on that by giving students the opportunity to take the assessment that aligns most closely with their post-high school plans. Students who plan to attend a four-year college could take the ACT, those pursuing two-year colleges or technical programs could take the Accuplacer or TEAS, students interested in the military could take the ASVAB, and those entering the workforce directly could take the National Career Readiness Certificate. This approach would help to ensure that testing supports students’ futures and feels relevant to their individual path instead of being a generic requirement.
ReplyDeleteTo answer Nikki Adeli’s call to action, my school and I can invest in students by guiding them to select the assessment that best reflects their goals, providing the resources and support they need to prepare, and using the results to inform personalized planning. Beyond standardized tests, we can focus on project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and skill development that helps students grow in areas that matter for their careers, post-secondary education, and overall life success. By making assessments purposeful and relevant, students can see them as tools for opportunity and growth rather than as barriers or judgments of their ability.
In her TED Talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure,” Nikki Adeli argues that traditional standardized tests fail to measure many of the most important skills students need, such as creativity, collaboration, perseverance, and critical thinking. If I were in charge of standardized testing in my state and could ignore current requirements, I would move away from most traditional standardized tests and replace them with a combination of performance-based and authentic assessments.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would require project-based assessments where students demonstrate learning by solving real-world problems. For example, students might design a solution to a community issue, create a science investigation, or develop a presentation explaining a historical event. These projects would show not only what students know but also how they apply their knowledge. This type of assessment measures skills like creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking—skills that are difficult to capture through multiple-choice tests.
Second, I would include student portfolios. A portfolio would allow students to collect their best work throughout the year, such as writing samples, research projects, artwork, or reflections on their learning. Teachers could evaluate growth over time instead of focusing on one high-pressure test. Portfolios would also give students a chance to take ownership of their learning and reflect on their progress.
Third, I would require presentations or exhibitions of learning. Students could present their work to teachers, classmates, and even community members. This would help students develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to explain their thinking—skills that are important for college, careers, and life.
These types of assessments align with the message from Nikki Adeli that schools should value more than just test scores. They allow teachers to see how students think, collaborate, and apply their knowledge rather than simply recalling information.
To meet Adeli’s call to action and invest in our present students, schools and communities can focus on creating learning experiences that help students develop their full potential. Teachers can encourage creativity, provide opportunities for collaboration, and design meaningful projects. Schools can support these efforts by valuing deeper learning and providing time and resources for innovative teaching. Communities can also get involved by partnering with schools, mentoring students, and providing real-world learning opportunities.
Overall, shifting away from traditional standardized testing toward authentic assessments would better reflect what students truly know and can do. By focusing on meaningful learning experiences, schools can invest in students’ growth, confidence, and future success rather than simply measuring them with a single test score.
Nikki Adeli, in her TED talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure” questions the purpose of standardized testing. If you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? I would get rid of standardized testing for all students. Standardized testing just put students into a bubble and doesn't let them show their potential. I would have students do more project based work. Work in the community to solve or create something new. I would also like to see more team work activities in the school system. Have students pick an area of interest and present to the school and community. Schools need to stop putting so much emphasis on standardized testing. We need to change the way we teach our students because they are learning in different ways than we ever did. Schools and communities need to let students be an active part of their environment. Give them choices let me work along and learn from community members. Standardized test should be a thing of the past. All we are doing now is putting more testing on these students and it does not help them become better citizens in this world.
ReplyDeleteIn her TED Talk, Nikki Adeli questions whether standardized tests truly measure student ability, and as a special education teacher, I strongly agree with her concerns. If I had the opportunity to redesign assessment in my state, I would eliminate standardized testing and replace it with more flexible, student-centered forms of assessment.
ReplyDeleteStandardized tests often fail to accurately reflect the abilities of students with diverse learning needs. Many students, especially those in special education, may understand content but struggle to demonstrate their knowledge through timed, high-pressure tests. Because of this, test results can be misleading and may underestimate a student’s true capabilities. I find this is the case with nearly all of my students. Their scores on their standardized tests are significantly lower than what they demonstrate in the classroom in an informal setting and assessment.
I would prefer to implement assessments that allow students to demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways, such as project-based learning, presentations, portfolios, and hands-on tasks. These approaches give students the opportunity to apply their learning in meaningful contexts and show what they know in ways that support their strengths. For example, demonstrating understanding of a concept through a visual project, verbally, or with a real-world application rather than a multiple choice/written test.
To meet Adeli’s call to action, schools need to shift their focus from measuring performance to supporting growth, of ALL students. This could look like investing in building strong relationships, differentiating instruction, and creating opportunities for all students to succeed, especially those who learn differently. In the classroom this could look like letting students choose how they want to demonstrate mastery of a skill. At the school level, many different forms of data could be collected and used to measure student growth and success.
Nikki Adeli, in her TED talk “What Standardized Tests Don’t Measure” questions the purpose of standardized testing. If you were the one in charge of standardized testing in your state and free to ignore current state, national, and collegiate requirements, what tests would you require of K-12 students? Please state the reasons you would require these tests. Or, if you decided to eliminate standardized testing altogether, please describe what assessments of learning you would implement in its place. In what ways can you meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action...how can you, your school, and your community invest in your present students?
ReplyDeleteI for one would be all about getting rid of standardized testing. As teachers, we know where are students levels are at and where the holes are and what needs to be worked on. Spending a week (45 mins daily) is maybe a waste of time to test my kids and assign them a number of 1,2,3, or 4 when I already know where they are falling. I would rather be using my time on focusing on their weaknesses and the goals they need to hit.
However, I would be on board where students are given a project at the end of each semester that focused on concepts/standards taught. I believe this is easier to adjust for learners at different levels. Yes, they do the same project but might not dig in as much as a higher achiever. This is way easier to make accommodations to ALL.
As schools, we already test kids with different tools and compare the data (ex star math and star reading) that helps us find goals for our students to work on. Teachers already assess students with informal and formal assessments too so there really isn't a need for stand. testing.
If I were in charge of standardized testing in my state and free from current requirements, I would not eliminate assessment altogether, but I would change it to better reflect real-world skills and student growth.
ReplyDeleteInstead of traditional standardized tests, I would require a performance-based assessments such as:
Portfolio-based assessments where students would compile a body of work over time because this shows progress, depth of understanding, and allows students to demonstrate learning in multiple ways rather than through a single test.
Project-based evaluations where students would complete projects that address real-world problems. These assessments measure critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and the ability to apply knowledge, skills that standardized tests often miss.
To meet Nikki Adeli’s call to action, I can start within my own classroom by valuing more than just test results. I can design lessons that encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, even when those skills are not directly measured. I can also provide students with opportunities to reflect on their learning and set personal goals, helping them take ownership of their growth.
I'm not against standardized testing, but these tests cannot become the only means of evaluating teaching and learning. Many students who excel in the classroom may test poorly on these tests. The tests often test students' abilities to test, and are not an evaluation of what they know or have learned. There is a place for tests that evaluate students' reading, math, and science understanding, but these tests are only one form of assessment, and they are often presented in a way that is different from classroom instruction. Standardized tests do not encourage critical thinking, nor do they take into consideration the unique learning styles of individual students. Standardized test results are used as a means of reporting student grades to the state to maintain funding; however, I believe that the work a student does in the classroom daily is a more accurate example of their intellect than the scores of standardized tests.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think every kid needs to take every test. I think we test kids way too much. I like the ACT test for some areas of placement especially if a kid needs more help in math or English. I know kids that have taken the act, asvab, accuplacer, ncrc test in the same year. That is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI think we need to find what the student needs and help them with that. We put way too much much emphasis on testing because a test doesn’t test work ethic, attitude, effort and when a kid gets motivated in a career choice, no test will determine if that kid will be successful or not, it will be their work ethic, attitude and effort will determine the success of that kid.
In my opinion, not every test is for every kid. I have been in education for 20 years now and it baffles me that we, teachers, spend time modifying and accomodating our curriculm, and then turn around a give standardized assessments. This makes no sense for me! Yes, I do believe in the elementary setting that we need to have math, reading and spelling tests; we need to see if what we are teaching is being comprehended. The skills they learn in elementary school are the foundation and are setting the stage for futher learning. I think in middle school, and most importantly high school, kids should have a say in their learning. We should allow them to be innovative and to partner with community resources. This way of doing things is so much more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI have three boys (the youngest a junior) and if I'm being honest the traditional school setting was not for them, but there are not a lot of other options in rural Iowa, so we kept plugging away. They struggled in school, average grades, tardies, emails home to us parents, had to go to the principals office, and so on. It was, and still is painful for everyone involved! Why? In my eyes, as a parent, not many took the time to build relationships with them, to show them their full potential, and to ask them how they learn best. Now, my older two are successful with what they are doing because it's hands-on, something that interests them, and they aren't tied to a desk in the classroom and a test score. Unfortunately, (in a traditional school setting) we are seeing more and more of this. The question is, are we going to continue this way or are we going to do what's best for kids?