How might standardized testing be beneficial for you in your work with children? How might standardized testing hinder your ability to teach?

Differing View on Standard Testing

Everyone seems to have an opinion on standardized testing. In early childhood education, many teachers feel that these assessments are not developmentally appropriate to use with young children. Regardless of what your opinion is, “the use of standardized testing is increasing, and new instruments are being developed in response to pressures for accountability for the quality of education and minimum competency standards for students and teachers” . As leaders, it is important for us to know our own view of standardized testing, to be open to the views of others around the world regarding standardized testing, and to understand the varying ways in which standardized tests are being used in early childhood education.
There are three parts to this discussion, so in order to get the most out of discussion, it is important that you do not jump ahead in completing each of the steps.
Step 1: Examine your current view of standardized testing. Some points to consider are:
Do you agree or disagree with standardized testing in early childhood education? Why or why not?
How might standardized testing be beneficial for you in your work with children?
How might standardized testing hinder your ability to teach?