Standardized Test and Informal Reading Assessments Essay

How well do standardized tests work as tools for obtaining information about children’s literacy strengths and needs? Standardized tests have both positive and negative uses as they pertain to obtaining information and what that information can be used for. The use of portfolios can also be used to guide instruction, and they can be used as informal or summative assessments. The use of both the standardized test as well as a student portfolio will give the teacher information that can be used to assess how well they are instructing as well as what areas they may still need more work in. There are many pros and cons as to whether or not there should be standardized testing. Both sides of this debate have some valid points, and by listing†¦show more content†¦(ProCon.org, 2011, p. 1) As to the validity of these statements, I can only offer my thoughts on these subjects. I do believe that standardized tests are fair and objective. These tests are designed to test a student’s knowledge on certain set standards that a child should know given what grade level that student is in. As to holding teachers and schools accountable, I believe this is where the biggest downfall of standardized testing lies. To hold a teacher accountable I believe that more than the test scores need to be looked at. An article in a Buffalo, New York newspaper supports my stance on this. One-third of high school students miss at least 20 percent of school days in a given year – the equivalent of seven weeks of school, according to a recent study by the district. And more than two out of five kindergartners miss more than three weeks of school. (Pasciak, 2011) When students miss that much school, it does not matter how good a teacher is, that student will not do well. As to one of the opponents views, stated by Chris Mercogliano about President Bush’s NCLB act; â€Å"His dubiously noble sentiments notwithstanding, extensive and well-documented research demonstrates that the only things standardized test actually measure are income levels and socio-economic status† (Mercogliano, Autumn2004, Issue 22, p.Show MoreRelatedInformal Assessments : Observation Of Everyday Performance1274 Words   |  6 Pages Informal assessments includes the observation of everyday performance. This is the method in which teachers collect information about their students’ performance in usual classroom conditions. Informal assessments are a part of the instructional process and can include â€Å"systematics observations, work sample analysis, task and error analysis, interviews and questionnaires’† (Sacks, 2011). It is done wit hout establishing test conditions such as in the case of formal assessment. Teachers must be roleRead MoreQuestions On Reading Assessment On Students Reading Behaviors, Determining Reading Level, And Assess Students Progress1714 Words   |  7 PagesChapter two summary talks about the purpose of reading assessment which there three; identifying the students reading behaviors, determining reading level, and assess students’ progress. When you’re a good reader you don’t realize the different ways you read different genre or material like a story versus informational text and how both are different methods of comprehension, questioning, and vocabulary. Another part of reading good readers don’t know about is that we exhibit a variety of behaviorsRead MoreAssessment of Reading Essay examples807 Words   |  4 PagesRUNNGHEAD: ASSESSMENT OF READING Assessment of Reading Alma J. Bosket Curriculum, Methods and Assessment: Literacy and Language Arts-EED-470 Professor Katie G. 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