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-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of William Davis MD Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 1:19 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Winona] TESTS " A test designed to determine whether students have basic knowledge that we think all citizens should have (ability to read, write, do basic math, and make reasoned decisions) would look very different from a test that is designed to determine who should be considered for college education. If schools are doing their job, we would expect 95% plus of students to have “citizenship” education while only 50% might have the skills needed to be successful for college. The temptation is to try to use the same test for both purposes. "
" Second, written tests favor certain kinds of learners. It might be more meaningful to give each student who is about to graduate a set of “problems” they need to solve. Examples might be reading the want ads, finding out where to vote and doing it, shopping, etc. "
I understand that each of us learns differently. I disagree that a minimum standards test needs to take this into account other than in a very minor way. Reaching the minimum standard on reading, basic math, etc is a major portion of the test. Of course, we may need exceptions for students with exceptional needs. " I am much more interested in whether a person has the ability to solve problems using whatever resources they can find (including asking someone else) than whether a person has memorized a large amount of information but can’t seem to use it. The person who just memorizes is stumped as soon as the problem changes slightly. "
Problem solving is an
important skill. To me the minimum standards test needs to measure
what you can accomplish on your own. I think memorization is overly
criticized. The ability to memorize and then apply math
tables is a useful skill. I work with people on a regular basis
who could benefit from having it. The number of people who do not
know how to use or calculate per cent ages (eighth grade material?)
regularly astounds me.
Glen
Schumann |
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