Shortcomings of Standardized Testing
The Short Version
Has your child been mislabeled as a result of standardized testing? Has your school lowered its standards, or eliminated important extracurricular activities, because of standardized testing? What should you know? What should you do?
Since I first wrote the evaluation of a specific standardized test, I have been contacted by teachers and parents. They know that the test has problems. They want to know what information will help them make their case and what they might be able to do. This is the short version.
The Short Discussion of Testing Problems
Although this list is specific to MAP Testing, the problems listed will apply to many other standardized tests.
Accuracy Problems
- MAP is based on the assumption that all students learn information in the same order, and all schools teach information in the same order. The RIT scores are no more accurate than these assumptions. (detail)
- MAP levels are based on academic levels (curriculum sequencing), not cognitive levels (Bloom's Taxonomy). A high RIT score can represent low level cognition in advanced curriculum material. Thus, MAP is not a good measure for gifted performance, and should not be used to guide decisions for gifted programs. (more)
- MAP does not provide information as to why the student is having difficulty with specific material. MAP does not even provide specific information as to what material students need