A common saying most of us have heard before goes something like this: “Those who can do, and those who can’t… …teach.” I know. The above quote attributed to H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) is cynical. Are teaching and doing mutually exclusive? His point is that there is more to understanding, to comprehending, than simply knowing and…
In my last article, I explained the first category of questions your student will need to be able to answer in the reading section of an achievement test. These questions are fact or knowledge based. Being able to “know” and parrot back a piece of information is a “first step” kind of question. The utility and value…
An achievement test measures three areas: reading, language arts, and mathematics. When you think about the reading part of the test, you’re probably thinking how well does my student understand or comprehend what they just read? You’re right in a general sense. But, how well your student comprehends what is read is broken down into seven…
Are you considering giving your child an achievement test this year? If so, lurking in the back of your mind is the question, “Am I really competent to do this? Isn’t this something only trained teachers can do?” Well, teachers are trained to teach and manage large groups of students. What they do is both…
Will students who were previously attending campus classes return backmto school the first of May? If they do, most kids will have spent 6 weeks away from the books. I know, some schoolwork is supposed to be continuing, but I’m guessing probably not that much. No blame here. It’s too much to expect parents to…
A test holiday has been declared for students in public schools nationwide. Sort of reminds me of the child’s game of hide and go seek where at the end, the seeker calls out, “Olly olly oxen, free, free, free.” This meant you could come out safely into the open. No penalties, no consequences, no getting…
During the plague of 1527, Luther was asked what to do. What he said was simple, direct, and comforting. I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become…
As I wrote in my previous article, President Trump announced that end-of-the-year testing would not be required of public school students, nationwide. In response to the president’s declaration, Annie Marges, from the Oregon Department of Education, clarified the Department’s position on the testing of home schoolers. She wrote: I have received several questions about this (the…
Parents want what’s best for their children. As I wrote in my previous article, the motivation for testing, in addition to complying with state law, is to know how their children are doing academically. In light of President Trump’s decision today to suspend this year all requirements for end-of-the-year standardized testing, the question now is,…
With the feelings of panic and uncertainty we’re facing with the Coronavirus, you’d think the last thing parents would be wondering about is required achievement testing. Many of you, though, are thinking about it for a good reason. Educators use achievement testing to do more than simply comply with state law; their primary interest in…