Measuring Quality Learning Through Assessments

I feel that assessments are very important to measure a child’s development. Assessments allow teachers and parents to see where children are both academically, emotionally, and socially. With the help of assessments it allows children to be placed in the correct classes and programs to help best suit their needs. Placement testing is the most accurate way of making sure students are placed in skill appropriate classes. However, I do believe all standardized testing should be a mix of multiple choices, true or false, and essay. These types of tests give the child a chance to feel confident that they are given the opportunity to their best. Some are better at certain kinds of test. When assessing a child, we must make sure that we are free from and biases and are prepared with the proper tools to deal with the results. Assessments are a great way to find if there are any developmental flaws that a child may have. I we can catch any problems before it’s too late, we can prevent long-term problems.

Germany's state-run primary school pupils start their education at the age of five or six. For the first two school years, they are not given marks for their academic performance. Parents are merely handed a school report on their child's abilities and behavior at the end of each school year. From the age of seven, pupils are subjected to continuous assessment. Every piece of work, including tests and homework, is marked on a 40/60 per cent oral/ written basis. The marks go towards an annual school report. When pupils leave primary school at 10 or 11, they are provided with a recommendation, based on continuous assessment, to decide what type of secondary school they attend. I like the fact the children are given a specific idea of what type of school they should attend based on their assessment (Cassidy, 2008). I feel that this would give the child the best chance at succeeding in school and learning in a way that they could understand. Going to a school that would cater to their needs could also boost their confidence in schooling and make them feel that they can accomplish anything. Have been to three different colleges, I feel that if schools gave an assessment to see what school would best fit that person, the dropout rate would be less.

Cassidy, S. (2008, February 08). Our children tested to destruction. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/our-children-tested-to-destruction-779790.html