Chapter 5

“You might think of tests as being like snapshots: Some may be flattering, and some may be downright dreadful. Your friends or family might like a photo you think makes you look goofy, whereas you might prefer one that makes you look sleek, athletic, or intellectual, even though others say it looks nothing like you. No photo, not even a portrait by a talented photographer, is the real you. It is at best an image of you at a particular time that, by skill or accident, may communicate something of your essence.” This was the first quote that really hit me when I was reading this chapter. It was so interesting. It seemed to stand out as something so true about test and helped me think about them in a way I do not believe I had ever viewed them. This was a reminder of why it is important to have as many grades as possible, especially as varied assessments as possible. This will help the student’s grade be a more accurate representation of their knowledge and understanding of a subject or topic.

I can actually use this statement as an example of why I hate both AP and CRCT. I will go on a little rant here for a moment. In my AP Bio class in high school, I was probably third or fourth in my class. I had 106 in the class by the end of the school year. I had studied an AP Bio test book to prepare myself and had taken 3 or 4 practice AP test. I scored upper 4’s and lower 5’s on these test. This helped me be very confident because I only needed a 3 for the college I was going to attend to get credit. My teacher said that should be a joke for me. Well, the big test day comes and I was sick and on antibiotics. Clearly not feeling well or thinking clearly. This did not help my test taking abilities. The AP test is given across the country at the same time for each subject. It was then or…next May. How crazy. Well, I got my scores back and had made a 2. I was devastated and forever disowned the program. I am the same way about CRCT. My grades in AP Biology said that I knew my stuff. I had taken several other practice AP test that were made by the same people who make the actual test that counts. I knew my stuff on that test, but when it came down to the only test that mattered I failed. The AP board would just say that I did not know my stuff, but I can assure you that I did. Having an entire year (2 semesters) work come down to 1 test is insane. This test is clearly not a good representation of my knowledge of the material. I feel this works the same way with CRCT. I could not imagine having an A all year and then failing the one test that matters and that trumping an entire years worth of work.

I am big on using both formative and summative assessment as much as possible. We have been learning about alternative assessments in our ESCI class. It has taught me that there are so many different ways to assess student learning out there. It has taught me to learn to utilize all of these different methods as well. I can completely understand how it helps get a better picture of what students actually know. I know so many people who are good learners and are knowledgeable but are bad test takers. My God-sister was that way and she is now a teacher. She has an ever better understanding of this concept since she was once in those shoes as a student. All students vary in the way they best obtain information and the way they best display the knowledge they have obtained through assessment.

This chapter reminded me of how the profession of teaching is ever evolving. Much like a computer program, we must stay up to date and keep with the times. A computer programmer cannot just take the information learned from their degree and rely on it the rest of their career. They will forever be learning new information to help them be the best at what they do. I feel the same way about teaching. When I walk into the classroom, I will just have to learn as I go. Only so much of my degree will equip me for what I will encounter as a teacher. Most of it will be continually learned each day, week, and year.

There are countless ways to assess student learning. I imagine new ways are being created by teachers everyday. There are just as many ways to teach the material to the students as there are to assess them on the material. It is not a straightforward concept with an equation to follow. I know every teacher will vary in some way. I hope I will pick up good aspects of my past teachers in able to combine them in my teaching style one day.