Education Lane
December 2023 | Cathleen Weber PhD
Many educators are concerned that we have reached an era of over-testing causing anxiety for teachers and students. There is no question that the testing framework should continue to be carefully considered as we adapt to the needs of our schools and our students.
This month, we would like to focus on the benefits of standardized testing as it relates to the fidelity of equitable instruction. We would also like to provide you with supports that will not only assist with test prep, but will also enhance learning and curricular alignment to state standards.
Some of the positive aspects of testing are summarized here with the entire article linked below.
- Standardization of quality curriculum: By requiring standardized tests, schools across the country can be sure they’re teaching the basic skills and knowledge every student needs at specific ages. Experts determine the skills and knowledge they feel will equip students to succeed in the larger world after they graduate.
- Equality and equity: Lower-income populations have long been underserved by traditional educational systems. By requiring all schools to meet the same educational standards, as measured by tests, education becomes more equitable for all.
- Removal of bias: When computers or impartial graders score tests objectively, it eliminates potential bias. (This assumes the test writers created non-biased questions.)
- Measure of effective instruction: High-ranking schools may be able to share their instruction methods with those who rank lower, encouraging ingenuity and cooperation across the system. Tests can determine where teachers may need more training, or where additional funding could help schools improve their programs.
Practice Tests will be coming to the Pearson site linked below very soon! You can access this information through the Test Preparation tab in the tool bar at the top of the page.
- Select grade level and click on a "Computer Based Unit"
ELA Practice Tests - Select grade level and click on a "Computer Based Unit"
Math Practice Tests - Select grade level and click on a “Computer Based Unit” (The Pearson website will add this test soon)
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Math Tools
Online Calculators
Basic Calculator (6th and 7th Grades)
Scientific Calculator (8th Grade)
Plotting Points
