Photo Albums and Home Videos

My youngest graduates from high school next week. I am still convinced that I am not old enough for that to be happening. However, it does cause me to reminisce as we have looked through his pictures. These snapshots can bring both laughter and tears as we consider the memories. If we were to watch old videos, we would be able to remember even more of how this young man’s personality developed over the years.

It is also the time of year when schools complete their annual testing. These, too, can bring tears (and maybe incredulous laughter). However, I believe that the illustration of photo albums and home videos provide perspective as to the purpose and interpretation of the different methods that are used to evaluate your child’s academic progress. The snapshots in our photo albums are like the annual testing that occurs whether you call them SOLs, PSSAs, Stanford or TerraNova. They are an important part of the academic portfolio, but they are only a reflection on how your child did at that particular moment on that particular test. It is a snapshot; rich with information, but we have all been captured on film with a not-so-flattering expression on our face. J The ongoing, daily assessment that occurs in the classroom is like a home video. Teachers and parents partnering together to share observations, encouragement, exhortations and progress reports enhances the information gleaned through the annual testing.  Just like photo albums and home videos work together to provide your family with memories; annual testing and daily assessment work together to portray a complete picture of your child’s academic progress. Educators and parents must see these tools in the proper perspective in order for a complete picture of the child to become clear.

Note: TerraNova and Stanford Achievements Tests are examples

of norm-referenced tests while PSSAs, SOLs and other state administered federally mandated tests are criterion-referenced tests. The criterion-referenced tests are typically referred to as high stakes tests as a public school's funding and rating is affected by the results.

(Pros and Cons of High-Stakes Testing).