Testing Intelligence

A child’s intelligence should not be measured solely by standardized tests, such as, the EOGs (End of Grade tests).  Some children are capable of understanding and comprehension, but do not test well.  I have seen children get straight A's throughout the entire school year, but fail the End of Grade test, because of the pressure and being too nervous to concentrate.  I have heard stories of children vomiting in the middle of testing and urinating on themselves from nervousness.  Standardized test should not be the basis of what children are measured by.  A child should not fail a grade simply because they did not pass a test.  Some children do better in math than reading and vice versa, therefore they may fail one test and not the other.  Children should not be held back because of this. 

There has been too much pressure added on teachers and students to keep up with the “No Child Left Behind” Act.   This act is focusing on reading and math, and ignoring other valuable subjects, such as, arts, social studies, and science.  We must acknowledge and respect the fact that children learn at different paces and have different learning styles.  When considering the whole child, their intelligence should not be the only factor being measured.  The way a child learns and obtains information should be considered when measuring a child’s intelligence.

I strongly believe that assessment should be ongoing and not just given at the end of the school year.  It gives students the opportunity to see what they need to improve in and gives teachers a chance to evaluate each student’s individual needs and plan lessons accordingly.  The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is “an ongoing and nationally representative measure of U.S. children’s achievement in reading, mathematics, and other subjects over time.” (Berger 2012). 

According to Berger (The Developing Person through Childhood), several nations participate in at least one international test of educational achievement.  Students in Asia take the Trends in Math and Science study assessment and always score at the top.  (Berger 2012). 

Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

 

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Any type of stressor can be harmful for a child and their development.  I chose to focus on physical abuse and the affect it has on young children.  I have a friend who experienced physical abuse at the hands of his stepfather when he was younger.  When my friend told me the story of how he was abused by his stepfather I cringed at the thought of someone hurting a child, especially in the manner he did.  My friend’s stepfather used to push him, severely beat him, and talk foul to him whenever his mother was not around.  One day my friend’s stepfather took him to a jazz club at the age of 5 and asked him to sit still.  My friend was only five years old and at that age children do not want to sit still for long.  My friend said he kept moving because he was growing impatient.  His stepfather got mad and made him pull his pants down in front of everyone, as he beat him with a clothes hanger. 

My friend is still coping with this traumatic experience in his life.  Because of it he was reserved growing up and unable to trust others.  He was bullied because of it and is now going to therapy to cope and deal with the memory of his childhood.  His strength is truly an inspiration to me. 

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mexico is one of the highest ranked countries for physical abuse of children.  Mexico is also ranked high in homicides of children related to abuse.  The Chamber of Deputies is striving to minimize this problem by establishing severe punishments to those who commit crimes against young children.