Standardized Tests & Idiosyncratic Literacy
Not what you're looking for?
1. Explain how standardized tests can be unfair and unreliable in assessing children's ability to read, especially for children from diverse cultures.
2. Describe your understanding of idiosyncratic literacy development. Think of an example you have seen in your work with young children.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
This solution explain how standardized tests can be unfair and unreliable in assessing children's ability to read, especially for children from diverse cultures. It also described idiosyncratic literacy development, including an example of work with young children.
Solution Preview
Education, Other
Year 1
Question and answers
1. Explain how standardized tests can be unfair and unreliable in assessing children's ability to read, especially for children from diverse cultures.
- Language barriers due to differences across cultures (i.e., do not understand the question? Some words are not used in other cultures, 0r not used in the same way, for example.) Assume that all test takers have been exposed to a white, middle-class background.
- Literacy development issues
- One author says it this way:
Are standardized tests fair and helpful evaluation tools?
Not really. Standardized tests are tests on which all students answer the same questions, usually in multiple-choice format, and each question has only one correct answer. They reward the ability to quickly answer superficial questions that do not require real thought. They do not measure the ability to think or create in any field. Their use encourages a narrowed curriculum, outdated methods of instruction, and harmful practices such as retention in grade and tracking. They also assume all test-takers have been exposed to a white, middle-class background. (See "How Standardized Testing Damages Education," a FairTest fact sheet at http://www.fairtest.org/facts/whatwron.htm)
- "Regardless of the complexity of the assessment process, and regardless of how difficult it might be to assess English-language learners, school districts must develop systems of accountability that fully incorporate linguistically and culturally diverse students. Even if it is not appropriate for students to be assessed in English, and even if no native language assessment procedure are available, schools should have alternative ways of ensuring that these students are being given the best opportunities to achieve the standards set forth for the rest of the student body. It is clear that properly assessing English-language learners is a complex and challenging task. However, it needs to be done. Otherwise, we will not only be in violation of the most basic evaluation principles, but also openly discriminating against this group of students" (www.maec.org).
- Failure to achieve ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Educational Research: The Basics
This quiz provides a basic overview of terms typically use in educational research.
Ages and Stages of Play
This quiz provides a brief overview of the typical ages associated with each level of play. Understanding the ages and stages of play is integral knowledge for anyone with a role in young children's lives.
Classroom Management
This quiz correlates with my eBook titled "Everything You Need to Know About Classroom Management." Test your skills on the benefits of sound classroom management practices.
Health and Safety Foundations for Individuals with Disabilities
The purpose of this quiz is to provide information relevant to assisting individuals with disabilities. This is a brief overview of services available.
Effective Communication
Effective communication is an integral component of success in all fields. This quiz briefly introduces some of the key aspects involved with effective communication.