Erich R. Merkle, M.A., M.Ed.
School Psychologist
School Psychology Program
Kent State University
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Q: Why do we need to test young children and place all that stress on them anyhow? A: This is a question you're certain to hear as an early childhood educator! It seems that all we ever hear about in the media is proficiency tests, standardized tests, and the children who struggle with these tests. In reality, educational testing with young children is necessary for three primary reasons: First, it helps school professionals identify those students who either need additional help to be successful when they begin school or identify those who are at risk for having future academic problems. Such tests typically compare a given children with other same age peers in order to make a comparison. Second, testing gives school professionals information about the child's readiness to begin formal schooling. Third, testing allows schools to evaluate the services they provide students. By giving children tests, a school system can determine whether they need to make curriculum or personnel changes, which can ultimately make the school a better learning environment. In this sense, tests help to hold schools accountable to the public for the services they provide. Q: What's the difference between testing and assessment? A: Assessment refers to big picture - it is the process of gaining information in order to monitor progress and make educational decisions. Testing, on the other hand, is a type of assessment. Testing is used to determine a child's ability to complete certain tasks, demonstrate mastery of a skill, or examine a child's knowledge of content. All assessment is understood as a systematic, purposeful and continuous process; one simply does not administer one test and that's it! Q: Who are the professionals who give tests? A: Many different professionals can legally administer tests to children. While certain tests are legally restricted to only psychologists and school psychologists, others such as academic achievement tests can be administered by teachers or aides. Usually only certain professionals give certain tests - for example, speech and language pathologists give language related assessments, teachers give tests measuring academic achievement, and psychologists give tests relating to intellectual ability and socio-emotional status. Q: What are these tests suppose to measure in a child? A: Tests are always designed for a specific purpose and ethically should only be used for that purpose. With young children, tests are usually given to determine the likelihood of success in school (intelligence tests), academic ability (achievement tests), socio-emotional development, and language ability. Other tests may examine peer and classroom behavior, visual-motor ability, communication ability, and whether the child suffers from any mental health problems. Q: What kinds of things do these tests require children to do? A: Tests given to children, particularly young children, are generally enjoyable tasks that most children do not mind doing. Some are more traditional paper and pencil exams, while others range from observation by a qualified professional, play-based assessment, completion of pictures, solving mazes, coloring and drawing designs, to verbally answering questions about the world in which the child lives.
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