I believe that children should be assessed in all of the areas that affect learning. Howard Gardner described multiple intelligences as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic (movement), interpersonal (social understanding), intrapersonal (self-understanding), naturalistic (understanding nature), and existential (life and death). Once children are assessed, educators can receive a general idea of how to teach them due to what they are skilled in. The question still remains, “What is the best way to assess children?”
In Australia, children are given standardized tests to assess their intellectual abilities. This has known to be problematic because the results seem to never give a true result of the child’s IQ. Children are referred to as having an intellectual disability in Australia, instead of mental retardation. These intellectual disabled children have a 70 or below IQ score. Children that are below 70 are categorized into four groups: mildly (score of 55-70), moderately (score of 40-55), severely (score of 25-40), and profoundly (score of 25 and below) disabled. None of the formal testing is completed independently of other skills. The tests require children to already possess language or motor skills. Because of this, these tests are considered biased therefore inaccurate for the children who don’t have these skills or struggle in these areas.
Resource
Colmar, S., Maxwell, A., Miller, L. (2006). Assessing intellectual disability in children: are IQ measures sufficient, or even necessary. Australian Journal of Guidance & Counseling. 16(2), 177-188.
I strongly dislike standardized testing. I know that they are a necessary evil in our education system but I do not feel like they are always an accurate indicator of intelligence. I know in Louisiana's High Stakes testing, children who are in special education have to take and pass the same standardized tests as their regular education peers. These children are in special education for a reason....they cannot always learn and produce in the same ways as the "norm". I feel like there has to be a way to assess intellingence more on an individual basis. Identifying children with one standardized test could produce many false results and also allow some children who do need extra assistance to fall through the cracks. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteArica
ReplyDeleteStudents can be assessed in all areas of learning, but sometimes standardized test does not give yoou a clear look at what a child knows. Observations sometimes is the best way to tell a child's intelligence.
Note of Personal Thanks!
ReplyDeleteArica,
Thank you for your contributions to our class. It has been a pleasure studying with you and reading your discussions and blog. Best wishes in your career.
Angella