Teaching Children Science: A Project-Based Approach, 2/e

Joe Krajcik, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Charlene Czerniak, University of Toledo
Carl Berger, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Why Do We Assess Students in Science?

HIGH-STAKES TESTING

Materials Needed:


1		High-stakes testing is testing that has a significant consequence for students-testing that is required for high school graduation, placement in "remedial" or "advanced" classes, or for national and international comparisons. Find out more about this type of testing by researching your state's testing policies; national tests such as NAEP, SAT, and ACT; and international tests such as the International Science Study. Report your findings.



2		Why do some people feel these tests are important? Why do others dislike them? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of assessment? Why do you think it has become more popular in recent years? Will high-stakes testing improve our educational system? Include in your report your opinion of high-stakes testing.



3		Find out what other countries do in terms of assessment. Are there high-stakes testing programs? How do teachers assess within classrooms? Countries you might want to investigate include Japan, Germany, England, Singapore, and Australia. Good sources of information on this topic are the TIMSS Web pages at http://nces.ed.gov/ and http://wwwcsteep.bc.edu/ timss. Please visit the text's Online Learning Center at www.mhhe.com/krajcik2e to link directly to these websites and for updates to these URLs.



4		File your report in your portfolio.

2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.