What other viewpoints or information can you share on assessments (e.g., standardized testing, behavior assessment, parent-teacher conferences, assessment to improve instruction, etc.)?

 While standardized testing has driven positive educational reform, results can also be used as gatekeeper which excludes some students from taking advantage learning opportunities (Boykin, 2014). The SAT was initially developed as a way to identify more students who might have the ability to be successful in college. Test scores are tightly linked to socio-economic status. This means that students who attend high quality schools or have extensive family resources are more likely to meet requirements for admission to highly selective schools. Graduates from these highly selective schools go on to be financially successful and so the cycle continues. Students with fewer resources have less access to schools which use standardized test scores as a requirement for admissions.


References

Boykin, A. W. (2014). Human Diversity, Assessment in Education and the Achievement of Excellence and Equity. The Journal of Negro Education, 83(4), 499. https://doi.org/10.7709/jnegroeducation.83.4.0499

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