And what about the students who chronically freeze up on tests? I have had many students who I KNEW knew the material, but would freeze up on tests. Does that "accurately measure whether or not the child mastered the material"? Absolutely not. If I only graded them on test results, they would fail. Basing a grade on many parameters actually helps students achieve higher and fairer grades. Should a student who faithfully attends class, does all their homework and projects, participates well in class, and you know tries their best--but messes up on most tests--fail? I say no. That is why all of these should be separate inputs. I also had a part of grades depend on classroom behavior, because that is something, like completing homework, that the student can directly control and is not dependent on their endowment of academic gifts, only personal effort. It was an easy way for them to improve their grade.
Totally agree. I've taught a lot of kids with learning disabilities who struggle with testing. The factory model of a school doesn't serve these kids (or the gifted) very well. We do what we can for the 160 or so kids who fill our seats every year.