Friday, April 24, 2015

Special Quotes and Special Thank You's!!!

Special Quotes:

I love quotes about life in general, but there are two quotes that are very special to me, so special that I have them on my computer lock screen.

[Google.com]
I love this quote because it reminds me that, it all really starts with me. When I was in the classroom with my preschoolers, I had this posted in my classroom in my teacher area, because it reminded me that I have to be a role model for them. Children watch everything we do, and before we can expect them to be something, we have to be that first. What I noticed during my research of empathy, many researchers believe that the way to develop empathy in young children, is to be empathetic ourselves. Children are intrigued by us, and for 8 to 10 hours a day, are around us and watch everything that we do. So it is our job to give them something great to imitate.


[Google.com]
 This quote is special to me because it reminds me how important we are in children's lives. I have heard many times that children are like sponges and they soak up everything they are exposed to, which is true, but the part that is lacking is the part that says it makes an impression on children are leave an imprint on them. So I like this quote because it reminds me that not only do children soak up everything around them, including my actions, but that is also leaves imprint and an impression in their lives. I think that is why anyone joins the Early Childhood field, it's not to become rich, but to make a difference in the lives of children in our families, schools and communities.

[Google.com]




Last but not least, the quote "Children Matter!" I love this quote because it is so true! I have dedicated my life to children because I believe that children matter. I also that believe that we matter and this field that we have dedicated our lives too, matters as well. That is one thing that I appreciate about being in this Master's program, meeting other individuals from around the world who also believe that children matter and want to make a difference in their lives.

Special Thank You's!!!

Over the course of the 8 weeks, I have been keeping up with everyone's blogs, but I want to give out a special thank you to Ruthanne (http://ruthannejuza2.blogspot.com/), Kaitlin (http://kaitlineberhart.blogspot.com/) and Kathy (http://earlychildhood2015.blogspot.com/). Each of your blogs has provided professional and personal insight over a specific topic and your lives. By each of you being open and transparent, I was able to relate to you and learn from each of you. You have made this online course more meaningful and I am thankful to have met each and everyone of you. I just want to say thank you for teaching me something new about children from different parts of the world, providing resources and for supporting and posting meaningful comments on my blog page. Good luck with your journey with your program, I hope I will speak to you all again!

Cierra

Reference:

Epstein, A. S. (2009). Me, you, us: Social-emotional learning in preschool. Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Testing for Intelligence

My Thoughts on Standardized Testing...

[Youtube.com]


I am an advocate for assessing the whole child. What I find interesting is, when children are in the child care centers, we assess the whole child using assessments such as Ages and Stages Questionnaire also known as ASQ. When children are in elementary school, assessments begin to move away from the whole child and are geared to cognitive development. I believe that all the developmentally domains should still be assessed throughout high school. This can be done by assessments that list the developmental milestone through development. Teachers can conduct assessment throughout the year, save student work and provide activities that are used to assess the children. I believe that assessment should be done throughout the year instead of twice a year. 

Testing in China

Between America and China, there is not a big difference in standardized testing, except for how often a standardize test is given , but the reason I chose China to research is because China is actually working towards removing standardized testing. I find this interesting because China is leading in math and science technology, but is working towards removing standardized testing. The reason China is considering taking away standardize testing, is because they believe that with strict guidelines for the test, creativity and innovation is lacking in the students. China believes that creativity and innovation is what is needed for the country to succeed in the future. 

Right now, all students have to take a standardize test to gain entry into college. The test is called "Gaokao". Students spend their whole life preparing for the test, because the results of this one test determines their whole future. For preparation of the Gaokao exam, throughout the grades, children have end of the year exams and benchmarks, that are used as check points. 

[Youtube.com]


In America, the STARR test is given to grades 3-8 and 9-12 grade. 3-8 grades are tested over reading, math, writing, science and social studies. 9-12 graders, the test is given as an end of the course assessment test. The STARR test in America, can keep a child from progressing to the next grade and can actually keep a student from graduating high school.

My Final Thoughts...
I believe standardize testing is not needed. I don't understand how one aspect of development is beginning assessed, when we use all of our developmental domains to function through life.  If we could continue to assess high schoolers, like we access young children, focusing on the whole person, I wonder what that would look like. I also believe that standardized only gives a snap shot of the student, and not the whole picture. We are basing the future of the students, based on a snapshot.  






References:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/magazine/inside-a-chinese-test-prep-factory.html?_r=0

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/17/education-in-china-testing-diane-sawyer_n_785016.html

http://www.chinaeducenter.com/en/cedu/psedu.php

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF8G6-E24Ew

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPs46yOcwP0