I was initially asking specifically about math tests-where there is one answer.
Yes, there is one answer. If you want to assess where the student really is, however, getting the correct answer isn't the only thing to look at. Students are assessed in order to guide instruction.
I take it you are a teacher, I do a bit as well (private vocational school). You seem to think the testing should be fit to the students, and I dont know that I agree. We used to be able to teach kids in one room schoolhouses to a higher standard than today. I dont think the problem is the test. Its multifactorial certainly-but its not the test, though yes-no test is perfect.
That we used to teach in a one room school to a higher standard is a myth. It is one that has been perpetuated off and on, but a myth nonetheless. We were able to get more memorization, to be sure, but not as much real learning.
You mention assessing the school-I was talking about assessing the student. I think we both agree whats best for the student is what matters most.
Absolutely, what is best for the student is what matters most.
The test is not for the purpose of assessing the student, not the CC test we've been talking about. It is for the purpose of assessing the school, the teacher, and the principal. It does a poor job of assessment, for the reasons I've given.
Might I ask what you think of private schools and home schooling?
I have had some conflicting experience with home schooling. One student who had been home schooled entered my classroom for the first time, and was quickly at the top of the class. Another was a little Yemeni girl whose parents hadn't sent her to school because she was a girl. She spoke only Arabic, and could not read, write, or do math. Her parents soon took her out to "home school" her. It all depends on the parents.
Private schools are also a mixed bag. Some are quite good, others not so much, just like the public schools. The difference is that public schools have to accept every student who lives in the district.
An interesting aside about parents and their opinions of public schools: They tend to think that the public school system is terrible, but their neighborhood school is great. That isn't always the case, of course, but more often than not, it is.
Also, Id be interested in your thoughts on this video-yes Im serious btw.
The video is propaganda perpetuating the myth that teachers can't be fired and that the unions make sure that they can't. Teachers are fired all the time, unions or not. Yes, once a teacher has proven himself/herself for three years, firing them becomes difficult, as well it should be.
I personally would not enter the classroom without union protection, and it has nothing to do with being fired. It has to do with the fact that all a student has to do is point a finger and say, "he touched me", and the teacher is in a fight for his career and maybe his freedom. There doesn't have to be anything at all to the accusation, but it will take a strong defense to fight, which costs a lot of money. The school district is not going to back up the teacher, so the non union teacher has to either put up everything he owns, or trust his fate to a public defender. Scary, not fair, but reality.