Testing for Intelligence?
We are alike and different in so many ways. I feel that standardized testing gives us a few samples of the population. Not all will pass because we are so different. I had a student 2 years ago that had speech problems but was one of the brightest students I have ever had. She lacked in social skills and could never start or keep a conversation. Her family was from Mexico and they had just moved to the states through a work visa. She wouldn't speak much and when she did you couldn't understand what she was trying to convey. We figured out how to work each other. Instead of having her speak to me she would show me things. She was embarrassed to talk because of her accent and because she was afraid that children would laugh at her. If I were to give her a standardized test she would have failed miserably. Very understanding. These tests should be for the whole child and not just certain parts. Towards the middle of the school year she gained enough confidence to talk more, play with peers, and even join in on group discussions. She is know a 2nd grader who can fluently read, write, and talk in English.
What also comes to mind is the smart students who are bad test takers. I was and still am the girl who will bite off all her fingernails because I cannot make the butterflies in my stomach go away when it comes down to being tested and timed. We see this when our state standardized test results come in. We look at the child's score and compare it to their academics. Many times the child's anxiety kicks in and prevents them from doing well.
I was looking into standardized testing in Mexico and all I could find was an article from 1996. The article states that parents, teachers, and students protested the streets of Mexico. Four thousand people took to the streets. Mexico was forcing students to take a standardized test and pay for it even if they attended a public school. The cost was $13 when its minimal wage was $3 a day. Students then had to prepare a list of possible schools to attend after receiving their scores. There wasn't enough room for all students which caused protest among its citizens. As a result they now have scholarships and more space was available at schools.
To read more about this click on the following link: http://fairtest.org/protests-against-teaching-mexico
Early Chidhood Studies Blog
I think it is great that you were about to find alternative ways of teaching this little girl how to communicate other than through verbal communication. There are many other ways to communicate; such as, body language, signing, etc. I believe that you gave her a boost of self esteem by working effectively with her and by showing her your desire for reaching out to kids in different ways than one. I am pleased to hear of her improvements, this just shows how far people efforts may affect and a change a person's life.
ReplyDeleteI like how you were able to work with the little girl. Many people do not try to find alternates when it come down to helping children. A lot of them accept things the way that they are. There are many ways to communicate and work with children. There are many ways to gain a child's help and show them that you are there to help them. I truly think that you were a good mentor for the little girl.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, it has been a great pleasure reading your blog statements. I have enjoyed this course and all the information made available to use. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors with child development.
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