Testing Intelligence
Achievement should be measured to see if students are progressing in the area of reading, mathematics, writing, science and social studies. However, I think these test should be given at the beginning of the year so that teachers can see where students are so that teachers can build upon those already acquired skills. I don't think achievement test should be used as a sole measure for promotion. I think promotion or retention of students should be decided by the train professional or professionals that has taught the student through out the entire year. Intelligence should also be measured or assessed. I believe multiple intelligence test, such as Gardner's that measure linguistic, mathematical, musical, spatial, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic should be used not for the purpose of labeling students, but for the purpose of teachers using the data from the assessments to better instruct students and help students develop more in those areas they may have measured lower in. I agree with Robert Steinberg and Howard Gardner, who believe that the brain contains not just one aptitude but many. Emotional intelligence should be assessed as well because if one cannot regulate their emotions and understand other's feelings success in educational endeavors and adulthood will not be achieved.
School-Age Assessment In Australia
Assessing students in Australia is very similar to what is done here in the US. I did not however see where it is used to help determine promotion or placement of students in programs. Australia gives the Naplan or the National Assessment Program. The Naplan test is administered to students in public education in grade 3,5,7 and 9. The purpose of the Naplan test is to measure whether literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for productivity and rewarding participation in the community is being achieved in the classroom. The Naplan is a battery of test administered annually to Australian students. These standardized test assess students reading, writing and language. The content of the test reflect content that is common to curriculum in all states and territories of Australia. test formats and questions are chosen so that they are familiar to teachers and students across Australia. The test are also designed to be carried out on the same day all across Australia in any given year.
