Week 8: Achievement Tests

         The chapters on achievement and aptitude came in at the perfect time.  Starting next week, we will be administering the PSSA’s for the next two weeks.  Then, the following week, the fourth graders will be taking the science PSSA’s.  Even though these are not listed as achievement tests, I feel as though they are similar.  According to the chapter, the achievement assessments require the test takers to demonstrate their knowledge which focuses on the present of what the child is able to do right now.  However, these tests are found to also predict academic performance.  The students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of what they have learned this past year and I have grown to have negative feelings towards these tests.  I understand and agree that we need to assess a students’ progress but at times it is overkill.  They are given four state tests throughout the year in addition to the PSSA.  There are times that we stop other valuable instruction in order to prepare them and teach to the test.  I remember that in elementary school we had reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.  Now, social studies have been cut and some grades must stop science due to needing time for preparation.  Even though there are positives, such as, establishing their academic level, monitoring achievement, and identifying their strengths and weaknesses, there is also a downside.  Another point of the chapter that I could relate to was when the criterion-referenced tests were discussed.  It stated that they could be used for the purpose of evaluating the curriculum, identify topics that should be remediated, and to document student mastery of objectives.  This reminded me of the high school in terms of the Keystone Assessments that will be first administered this coming year.  The high school is no longer administering the PSSA’s but substituting the Keystone.  The Keystone is an assessment that assesses the student on a particular content such as Algebra.  There is discussion that the students would not be able to move on unless they pass with proficiency; however, at this given time it is a gray area and nothing has been determined.    

            In regards to achievement test, I think it is great that it allows you to test across various content areas and what  I have learned not only from my chapter but the KTEA II in which I will be presenting you are able to administer only one subtest if needed.  These tests can be used as a great tool to determine ability.  However, I do not believe that it is the only factor that should be looked at.  Drummond and Jones brought up the SAT’s and it reminded me of the GRE’s.  I personally am not a good test taker and this hinders me in the way that I am capable of achieving great things.  Yet, if you would solely base my test scores in determining my ability to achieve you would think otherwise.  In conclusion, achievement and aptitude test can be valuable to counselors, school psychologists, and teachers but need to be given appropriately. 

 Drummond, R. J. and Jones, K. (2010). Assessment procedures for counselors and helping professionals. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.