In Canada, the different provinces prepare their own assessments which basically tests the numeracy and literacy abilities in school children at certain grade levels. For instance, in British Colombia, at grades 4 and 7, students take an assessment in reading, writing and numeracy. Then for high school graduation, some core subjects as well as mathematics and literacy are assessed (NCEE, 2018).
Teachers also use in their classrooms, the formative assessments that cover the students day to day school work progress, tests and quiz organised the teacher as well as other group projects carried out by the students (NCEE, 2018).
Such assessments help to further the knowledge of child development because it can give data and information to researchers. Secondly, assessments help create social benchmarking that would come in handy when comparative studies are done between 2 countries that may give a clearer insights on what could be introduced to schools to help children achieve success. (NAP, 2008)
Reference
National Academies Press. (2008). Early childhood assessment: why, what and how. Retrieved from https://www.nap.edu/catalog/12446/early-childhood-assessment-why-what-and-how
National Center on Education and the Economy. (2018). Centre on international education benchmarking. Retrieved from http://ncee.org/what-we-do/center-on-international-education-benchmarking/top-performing-countries/canada-overview/canada-instructional-systems/
That seems like a good assessment strategy they are using in Canada. Some school districts cut out the high school graduation assessment. So many kids were failing it and not able to graduate so somes schools stop making it a requirement for graduation.
ReplyDeleteI assume you are referring to some schools in the US. It sounds detrimental to the success of these students because in reality, they are really not competent to face the tough competition out there especially if they wish to continue to higher institutions. It may seem better for the school district's academic records but then the educational board is simply encouraging complacency in students. They could consider revising their teaching format for a start.
DeleteWhen we say view or educate the whole child we have to think about the child as a human being and not limit their education to focus on just the core subject. We have to realize children are learning all the time, that their learning doesn't start and finish at school. We have to value each child socially, emotionally and academically where they can be their best.
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