Assessing Children

In my past blogs and discussion posts, I've talked a lot about how important the environment and social interaction are to the healthy growth and development of children. From the last 8 years I've been in the early childhood field, I have personally seen the positive effects of offering a safe, positive, and caring environment and positive social interactions on a child's development. There are numerous studies that show the importance of these two aspects as well. So when asked, what I feel should measure or assessed, I would have to say, if anything, it would be a child's ability to adapt to their environment and to social situation.

I don't agree with the academic assessments that children are required to take, or the common core standards they are required to meet. It's unfair to expect all children to grow, develop, and learn at the same pace or in the same way. I feel that assessment can hinder a child's self-concept and self-esteem. I understand why they are done but do the pros outweigh the cons??

In the Philippines their elementary schools run from 1st grade to 6th. Both public and private schools have students take a National Achievement Test, however, the test are only used to measure the schools competency, and is not used for the students admission into secondary school.

In Finland, students only take ONE standardized test over the span of their elementary and secondary school years! It's taken at the end of high school and graded by TEACHERS!! Also, for every 45 mins of instruction, children get 15 mins of play! (I think I'm moving to Finland to teach... ;) )