English Language Learners and Standardized Tests

A surge in limited English proficiency (LEP) enrollment became a nationwide phenomenon between 1995 and 2005, as virtually all regions of the country experienced a rapid growth in immigrant population. In Buffalo, the increase in ELL students stemmed largely from the active resettlement of refugees from around the world in Buffalo. In 2004-2005, Buffalo had 2,539 LEP students who collectively spoke 46 different languages. In 2009-2010, that enrollment number shot up to 3,481 students, who spoke 67 languages. In Buffalo, as in many locales, the rise in ELL learners has coincided with a dramatic increase in high stakes standardized testing; unfair testing policies being employed have often failed to reflect the realities of English language learning

Using Customized Standardized Tests

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The Takeover of Standardized Tests

Diane Ravitch once said, “Sometimes the most brilliant and intelligent students do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds”. Standardized testing is a very controversial issue occurring in our school systems today. Standards hold schools and teachers accountable for properly progressing our youth through school. However, is administering the same exact test to every child in every school district the best way to measure growth? There are many factors that makes up a school and student body such as poverty, cultural beliefs etc. These factors are not addressed in the standardized tests that our students take year in and year out. Throughout this research paper, there are many options explored to replace standardized tests, survey results from a local school district’s students pertaining to their opinions of the test, and other issues caused from the tests. There is no set answer as to if these tests will be going away any time soon, however many educators, parents and community members are beginning to take steps to ensure there are no more standardized tests

A list of external standardized tests

External standardized tests used by individual program

Standardized Tests, Erroneous Scores, and Tort Liability

Hopes and dreams often hinge on the accuracy of standardized test scores. Results frequently determine, or greatly influence, whether a student progresses to the next grade level, attains a diploma, gains admission to a college or university, or can practice a profession after graduation. Because standardized tests are relied upon in professional credentialing, such as teaching certification and admission to the bar, erroneous scores pose a further risk that the public will not be protected from deficient practitioners and that qualified aspirants will be barred from their callings