Research that Benefits Children and Families
Option 2:
I think that if I had the means and ability to do research, I would continue on or start a new avenue in regards to academic testing and how it does or does not effect children's academic success. As of now, one of the theories states that standardized testing hinders children's academic success and can put them on a path of lower academic achievement due to not passing these tests. I would do research on how important it is to do standardized testing with children who are in Kindergarten and what type of emotional effects these tests can have on these children.
I feel that doing research on this topic will help parents to understand if they should send their children to schools with standardized testing. Also, I think parents will have a better understanding of what takes place during these tests and the type of content that exists on these tests. I have noticed that parents tend to trust the school districts rules and regulations about standardized testing without ever asking whether or not it is right for their child. I know that the government does in fact enforce these rules about the testing, however, if more parents knew the benefits and risks involved in the outcomes of these test, maybe they would be more likely to speak out against them.
Thank you for your post! I have always wondered about testing children not so much in the higher grades but in the lower grades, such as kindergarten. I believe that your idea of researching testing is a great idea. I recall when I was in school; I had the hardest time passing standardized test. It was like my mind went blank and I could not think because, I knew that this test would make or break me. I never did well on test however, in all other classwork and homework I was an A student. I had one teacher fight for me when the school wanted to fail me because of my test scores. I think that in many cases these tests do not efficiently demonstrate a child's true knowledge.
ReplyDeleteBeau,
ReplyDeleteA great choice for a topic. We have learned a lot during past courses concerning standards, standardized testing, and kindergarten age children and the inappropriateness of the pressure on children who would be more successful with less formal assessments and more informal. I wish you will with your research project during this course and as a former K, 1st and 2nd grade teacher, I will be interested in learning what you find out.
Laurie