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Featured Guidance Article

Why All These Standardized Tests?

You know about the tests given at school. Your child has come home and told you about them. You know about them from teacher conferences and reports you have received. You know they begin with the kindergarten readiness test and go on and on. Since the testing program at school is so much a part of your child's educational experience, let's focus on some of the reasons for testing and on what some of the results tell us about learning.

As many of you know, the standardized test was born out of the movement that demanded accountability in education. Because there are those who believe that if you cannot measure and quantify a thing you cannot prove it exists, it was necessary to devise a way of measuring educational performance. Grades and grading systems vary so much that it was impossible to use them as a standard; therefore, a standard by which diverse students in all parts of the country could be compared was developed…

Featured FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

Question:

How do I encourage a new, desired behavior?

Answer Summary:

One way to encourage good behavior is to use a reward system. This way works best in children over two years of age. It can take up to two months to work. Keeping a diary of behavior can be helpful to show gradual changes in the child.

Featured Glossary Term

Achievement Tests

n. -- Assessments--usually in the form of norm-referenced, standardized tests--that measure how much a student has learned in various subject areas. The most common are the California Achievement Test and the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills.

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