Assessing Our Children?

I think standardized testing of children can be useful, but harmful as well. For example, I used to work in the school district with children identified as having special needs. They were given the exact same test as their peers, allow some could not read the test themselves, finish the test in the allotted time, or fill in the tiny bubbles correctly to have their answer even count. Assessing children generalizes and places individuals into categories they may not fit within. Viewing every child holistically, while costly both financially and in terms of time, is the only accurate measure of a child. This encompasses emotional, physical, cognitive, and motor skills- not simply academic measures.

In India, assessing children with special needs has lead to developing a system that integrates how children learn best through use of the five senses to individualize and personalize lessons. The Multiple Intelligence Theory being implemented in Special Needs Programs in India is adopted from called the Gardner's Theory,  a Harvard psychologist. Priyadarshini (2005) states, "It provides more emphasis on the strengths and abilities of children with disabilities, increases students self-esteem and helps to promote success among a broader community of learners. MI theory makes sense of their individual differences, their tolerance and understanding".


References:
Priyadarshini, S. (2005). Significane of multiple intelligence among children with special needs. Retrieved  June 8, 2012 from http://www.gatewayforindia.com/articles/specialneeds.htm