As I was thinking about the SAT, I realize that a test is only one way that students can show what they have learned. There are many other ways that students can show their knowledge other than a stressful test. In my Instructional Planning and Integrating Exceptional Students classes, I learned about many other ways I can test students on what they learned. I can have them do a project, make a video, perform a play, do a research project, make a poster, write about what they learned, and many, many, many other ways. Testing is not the only option when it comes to assessment. When I have my own classroom, I would like to utilize these other assessments to test my students instead of just administering test after test. I do realize that sometimes traditional tests are required to assess students, and these tests also help them prepare for tests they have to take in the future. But being nervous about the SAT and seeing how much anxiety it gave my students because it was such a big test just got me thinking about other ways I can assess my students.
Next week, my students take the math portion of the SAT. I am also looking forward to teaching more next week.