NIFL-ASSESSMENT 2005: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:1181] RE: high-stakes te

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From: David Rosen (djrosen@comcast.net)
Date: Sun Jul 31 2005 - 16:25:06 EDT 

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From: David Rosen <djrosen@comcast.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-ASSESSMENT:1181] RE: high-stakes testing, state/federal accountability, and standardized tests
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Marie has asked from some additional kitchen utensil metaphors for  
standardized assessment.  Here are three more to add to the (edited)  
list:

1) Standardized testing may not always be the sharpest knife in the  
drawer.
2) Let's use the best knives we have, but also get some better knives.
3) Let's not use knives when spoons or forks are better.
4) Avoid using knives to hammer nails or fasten buttons (ouch).
5) Let's not use "the only knife in the drawer" to cut the throat of  
learners in programs with just literacy level one ( whom *I* believe  
it's unrealistic to expect will increase two grade levels in one  
reporting period.)

6) Let's train those with knives to use them properly.
7) Using a knife to eat peas or mashed potatoes is inefficient and  
uncouth.  If you don't have forks and spoons, don't settle for using  
knives.
8) Utensils may help in cooking, but only if there's food to cook. (A  
kitchen version of my favorite farming metaphor for testing, "You  
don't fatten a calf by weighing it.)

David J. Rosen
djrosen@comcast.net

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