Friday, March 25, 2011

Inspirational Words for Strength Based Assessments

Recently I read an article written by Samuel J. Meisels, ED.D., President of Erikson Institute, titled, "The High Stakes Testing Trap."  Mr. Meisels discusses how we are so obsessed with testing our children in our classrooms here in America and many of these tests are not in the best interest of our children.  A quote from the article that I hope will make early educators aware of how damaging these tests can be to our children is:

"Of great concern are high-stakes tests, which may result in long-term negative consequences for children.  High-stakes refer to significant rewards or sanctions such as retention in grade, placement in special classes or extra-year programs, or designation as either a gifted or slow learner.  Research has shown that the labeling that accompanies these high-stakes tests can have long term impact on teachers' perceptions of children's ability to learn; stigmatization of children and tracking them into low achieving groups; and also on children's self-perceptions, estimates of their own abilities, and motivation and achievement."

Mr. Meisels also discusses the importance of strength based assessments rather than focused on identifying weaknesses.  "the best way to assess a child's performance is to study performance, not something else, and the best way to improve a child's performance is to teach the child, not test him."

Read more at:  www.winnetkaalliance.org/PAST_ARTICLES/testingtrap.asp

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