An article in Reuters today “Five-year-olds put to the test as kindergarten exams gain steam” highlights a growing trend in kindergartens nationwide, introducing kids to standardized testing at an early age. Identified as an outgrowth of the “push to make public schools more rigorous and hold teachers more accountable,” the goal is to identify kids at risk and, also, their potential for success throughout their K-12 and college years.
According to the article, 25 states mandate at least one formal assessment during kindergarten. While advocates promote early testing as a way to identify kids who are likely to have problems going forward, opponents argue that the practice puts too much stress on kids at too early an age.
Many educators prefer assessment based on interaction and observation rather than standardized testing. School districts and state educational departments, however, are requiring standard exams across the schools they oversee.
What do you think about the trend? Is it good, bad or indifferent?
Please leave a comment and get the discussion going.
