Portfolios vs Standardized Tests
December 18th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
While browsing tumblr, I came across the article “Should Portfolios Replace Placement Tests” via teachingliteracy. I want to say loud and clear that I LOVE PORTFOLIOS. Yes, that love stems from my creative and artistic background. Yes, I grew up with test anxiety issues (though no where near what these poor kids go through). Yes, I have seen both types of assessment used and their effects on my students.
Liz Dwyer brings in the point that the standardized tests are getting old, and what’s more, are no longer believed to portray an accurate representation of a student’s ability. I would like to say it’s about time this was recognized, but from my experience, teachers have known this has been an issue early on. The author makes a point to say that we should revise our assessment techniques so students are prepared for a 21st century education. When other countries have been looking at the holistic child rather than a single aspect of knowledge, capability or aptitude for years, it’s sad to see we are only now just thinking about following their example. It’s about time we catch up.
