Why is it that tests are used inside the classroom by the teachers to give the students grades for the year and that’s OK yet, when the subject comes up of using tests from outside the classroom to see how the students are doing that’s not OK?
If you want to get certified for just about anything in the business world there are standardized tests for them. From Real Estate salesmen to IT professionals (government tests to private industry tests). Most places require attendance at a certified school prior to being able to take any of the tests for that given field. How is this different then the public schools? and why is it so difficult in creating these tests (millions of dollars)?
The concept of generalized testing isn’t a ‘new’ idea nor is it rocket science. The problem I see is that the public school system is pushing back and making it as difficult or as impossible as it can so that it can do what ever it wants however it wants with no accountability.
These tests don’t have to be mini SAT tests, something as simple as 10 questions (from a pool of a hundred or so) in each of the core fields should be enough to show that the student has a basic understanding of the subject well enough.
Knowing ‘stuff’ and scoring high on exams/tests do not relate with the ability to TEACH another person...that’s my point.