OBJECTIVE AND STANDARDIZED TESTS

THOSE WHO OBJECT TO OBJECTIVE TESTS

 
BEWARE
 

The mandated use of objective and standardized test in many school districts is increasing. Objective and standardized tests are usually multiple choice examinations. The type of tests in this category are:

  • 1) Teacher Selected Tests for Classroom Use
  • 2) District and/or State Required Assessments of Student Achievement
  • 3) Qualifying Exams for College Entrance
    • Teacher Selected Test s for Classroom Use
    Through the use of the Internet (ex. Builders,)and software programs(ex...Exams in a Can), teachers can produce a classroom set of ten or more exams that contain different items, yet evaluate the same skills. These tests can be designed for different proficiency levels. Teachers can produce valid practice tests, and reliable post tests. The content, length and format of the tests are determined by the teacher. These instruments can be use as printed classroom materials or accessed directly from the Internet , as individual exercises or class activities.
    More Instructional materials are available using less teacher preparation time.
     

    MORE FOR LESS!!!

    District and/or State Required Assessments of Student Achievement
         Many Board of Education's at the state, districts, and local levels have adopted mandated multiple choice exams as a measure of student achievement. A publication from the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, "Higher Standards for Chicago's Students, Program of Study for Algebra and Geometry", illustrates this trend : 
    "...examinations are designed to ensure that, when the time comes to determine  whether students can do what the
    standards ask them to do, each student will be assessed on the basis of common and appropriate standard-based
    testing instruments."
         In most school districts ,both public and private, students are required to take at least one of these test (i.e. T.A.P., N.D.E.T.,I.G.A.P.,C.A.S.E.,Stanford, Iowa...)  A student's failure to achieve the minimum score on these standardized assessments can result in that student being required to repeat a subject or grade, attend extended day or summer programs, or  denied promotion.  School are often rated  by the news  media, Board of Education, and the public based on their students performance on these tests.
    The teacher will no longer be the sole evaluator of student progress .
    STUDENTS, TEACHERS, and PARENTS, WE WILL LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

    The following adjustments to the instructional program is advised:
    1) Review the state and district standards and include them in the objectives of each course.
    2) Integrate these standards in daily lesson planning.
    3) Use the sample tests to understand test construction. Spend one class period  discussing the test construction so that
         students will be comfortable with the test content and expectations.
    4) Note the special "TEST TAKING TIPS" in section "Qualifying Exams for College  Entrance"
    5) Students should practice multiple choice test using samples from the internet.

    NOTE: As educators, students and parents, we must reject the idea of teaching tests. Learning is growth. Assessments can be a indicators of where we have been and a compasses for where we must venture. We can not let mandated tests use us. We should use them as a weather vane for what the "experts" say we are expected to do and know. BE PREPARED AND SUCCEED!

    Qualifying Exams for College Entrance
     
         Most colleges and universities require minimum scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test, S.A.T., or the American College Test, A.C.T. test for college entrance.  Top scores on the Preliminary Scholastic  Aptitude Test (P.S.A.T.) earn students scholarships. The following is based on analysis of the, A.C.T., P.S.A.T.,and S.A.T. tests.  In the private sector, classes designed to assist students with test taking strategies  can cost $300 to $500  for each program.  There are several excellent workbook, ranging in price from $18 to $22, that are available at most bookstore and some public libraries. All of the recent workbooks include a computer disc or C.D. rom  that contain  practice tests and examples.  If possible, each student should purchase a workbook.  A class set of workbooks  is an option.  The  following workbook series are recommended:
  • Princeton Review
  • Barrons
  • Schaum's Outline
  • Kaplan Review

    •      One of the following  "Tips" can be included in the instructional plans on a weekly basis.
    TEST TAKING TIPS
    1) BE  PREPARED
         The testing companies will supply handbook that describe the construction of test, the topics covered, and
          method of scoring.  Read the handbook.  Review the topics.
    2)  USE PROCESS OF ELIMINATION (POE)
           Only two of the multiple choices are reasonable.   Choose the best of these two answers.  NOTE: on the P.S.A.T and
           S.A.T. test, a fraction of point is deducted for each incorrect response.
    3) DO NOT ERASE
          Time can be saved and frustration due to duplication of work can be avoided.
    4) BE SELECTIVE
          Each item in a given section has the same value.  Work on the items that are easiest first.
    5) CIRCLE ANSWERS
          Record answers on the answer sheet when there is five minutes remaining.  This will save time and avoid
          recording errors.
    6) PACE
         Watch the time.  Practices pacing.