To Test or Not to Test

To test, or not to test: That is the question. Announce to any class they will have a test, or even quiz. The response we will get is no doubt a unanimous “Ahhoow”. But are tests good for students? Honourable judges, my esteemed colleagues, and ladies and gentlemen, the correct answer you will get is a definite Yes. Tests reveal what we don’t know, which is far more important than revealing what we do know. Thus, the resolution before us today is BIRT grade seven students should write entrance exams before high school to determine the nature of their future coursework: academic or vocational. We define this resolution as those students who are completing the grade 7 curriculum in BC should write standardized tests before entering grade 8. Their results will determine whether they will study an academic curriculum or a vocational one. Academic meaning preparation for university education, vocational meaning education in technical studies and applied skills as required by the ever-changing demands of our labour force. My three focal points will be choice assistance and accountability, and how society benefits.

First of all, testing assists choice very much like a public counsellor would. Streaming reduces the amount of false aspirations amongst growing students. Streaming focuses students in a more specific area of study and they gather deeper and broader knowledge in a specialized field that is more in tune with their abilities.

Secondly, how are our schools accountable to society at large? The purpose of the education system is to prepare the youth of today to become active members of society. After all we are the future decision makers and rank and file of tomorrow. How efficiently we are educated will reflect directly on all of our futures. When the older generation passes the baton, we should be ready to catch and run with it. Educators must prepare the talent of tomorrow. We need students to fulfill society’s need for a skilled and professional workforce. We must decide whether or not society needs all of its members to prepare to enter university. Obviously, the answer is no. Therefore, preparing students to join the workforce after high school is a goal that we should aim for.

Currently 33% of students drop out of high school and another 19% never complete a university degree. These students may have avoided the social stigma of dropping out and the disappointment of failure had they been properly guided into the right career path. In the partnership between society