Topic 6 DQ 2
Are state-required standardized science tests helping or hurting K-8 science programs? Provide one scholarly resource to support your opinion.
State-required standardized testing can have both positive and negative effects on K-8 science and other content area programs. When implemented correctly, state tests can help educators gauge students' understanding of different content and concepts in a way that is comprehensible and does not take up extra time for grading. On the other hand, sometimes preparing for standardized tests takes up valuable instructional time for tests that do not accurately portray students' understanding of lesson content or even standards concepts. For this reason, many school districts are moving toward testing that assesses more conceptual thinking, rather than memorization of facts (Berwick, 2019). It is important that assessments, including standardized testing and both formal and informal assessments, assess the material that is covered in lessons based on core curriculum. Whether state standardized testing helps or
hurts K-8 programs depends on the content and administration of these tests.
