High-Stakes Tests Leave Minority Students Behind

Students from preschool to high school are subjected to an almost endless array of tests. Yet, when it comes to the assessment of young children, we often forget about issues of individuality and differences in culture, ethnicity, home language, age, and socioeconomic background. Children simply do not come to the assessment or testing situation with an equal background for having the same chances for success.

• To learn more about appropriate assessment for young children, go to the website below and download the summary of the NAEYC position statement on assessment of young children.
• Compare the assessment position statement with the ideas presented in the text.

Where We Stand on Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation
http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/standlcurrass.pdf

• Print the position statement to include in the diversity section of your Professional Development Notebook.