Tests to ‘show howmuchstudents arelearning’

TESTS, page 1

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ents view the testing as a tool in aiding them in the important decision of choosing a college, others are wary that the testing might work against students or resemble the No Child Left Behind Act. AprilPerrymore, a psychology professor, said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea because it could wind-up being like the SATsand cut offstudents from attending certain schools.”

Other critics of the testing say that students achieve well in many different ways and that a standard test cannot equally measure everyone’s different abilities. Lisa Liberatti, a junior education major,said, “I think the testing is pointless. It takes away from students’learning. I feel it should be based on students’grade point averages, if anything.”

Despite some of the harsh criticisms of the testing, some schools already use standardized testing as a way to assess student learning. The University of Texas has already begun using the tests as a way to monitor learning but also to develop academic standards and expectations.

Charles Miller, the chairman of the commission that is conducting the study,commented on the University of Texas’testing, and said, “I think the process has been very effective. The surprising thing is that people who went through it, some of them reluctantly,all felt they gained.”

The testing committee has until August to submit a report on their findings including accountability,cost and quality.