Formal Assessment
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TYPES
There are several basic types of formal assessments used by schools. These include the Standardized Test and the Norm Referenced Test. Under the federal mandate No Child Left Behind, it is important for teachers to understand the information given by both types of tests.
Standardized tests are those tests that are given under identical (as nearly as possible) conditions every time, no matter where or by whom. In other words, the test administrators try to keep the conditions exactly the same: same time limit, same directions, same testing circumstances.
Norm Referenced tests are tests that compare the performance of an individual to that of the group on which the test was standardized. A bell curve is used to show the very few scores at the upper and lower ends, and the large number of scores in the middle of the curve.
Criterion-Referenced tests are different than Norm Referenced tests in that the test measures performance in terms of an absolute mastery of specific skills that the child is expected to have learned. Achievement on this type of test rests on teh stated objective. The test will not tell you if the child can score beyond the limits of the test. It does, however, provide information on specific subsets of the test that will enable you to reteach.
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TESTS MEASURING LITERACY
The following list of tests provides schools and teachers with important information about a student's reading ability.
GROUP-ADMINISTERED TESTS
Iowa Tests for Basic Skills - A series of tests that are both norm and cirterion referenced.
Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test, 4th edition - This test assesses different aspets of reading from auditory discrimination through scanning and skimming. It is also both norm and criterion referenced.
TerraNova - Second Edition - Teachers using this test will gain insight on a student's listening comprehension, basic understanding, text analysis, reading strategies, and knowledge of sound/symbol relationships.
INDIVIDUALLY ADMINISTERED TESTS
Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests - Revised (1998) - Using this test will provide information about reading readiness as well as achievement in reading and other content areas.
Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP) - Administered in only 30 minutes, this test gives important insight into a child's phonological skills.
Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) - Used with the primary elementary grades, it uses a screening section and an inventory section at a variety of prereading and early reading levels.
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CONCERNS
Teachers have concerns about using formal tests such as standardized tests because so much emphasis is placed by schools and politicians on testing. Too often schools allow the standardized tests to drive their curriculum.
With standardized assessment, is the
glass half empty or half full?