Kentucky Department of education looks for feedback on standardized tests

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- In the world of education, parents, teachers and overall the general public can now give their thoughts on standardized testing.

Kentucky’s department of education is looking to hear opinions from the public on standardized testing and how assessments can be designed in a way to benefit the students and teachers before they’re submitted for the board’s approval. This feedback is also useful for those at the college level, like South-Central Kentucky Community and Technical College adult education director Brian Becker.

“I think it’s wonderful that they’re seeking public input for this because this is about, what is the end result we’re after here? Is it after an intelligence test and to prove that and what you know and how long of a time span you can prove that? Or is it designing something that’s going to show you’re a capable worker, you’re a capable learner,” Becker said.

In the four different subject areas, the survey asks questions based on how the material is presented. It also asks for thoughts on how much more or less of the material should be given on the test. An overload of material in a short time frame can lead to test anxiety on some cases.

“I think in general, anything that’s going to help students with test anxiety, knowing that there’s other ways that they can prove information that they know, so I’m curious to see what comes out of that, how they design the tests,” Becker said.

While this survey is still in its beginning stage, educators like Becker are looking forward to changes that will not only benefit the students, but also the community that they will go out and contribute to.

“I hope that these tests can also support students’ efforts for lifelong learning, that they aspire for more and that they won’t feel like tests hold them back from being able to prove what they know as they currently might be able to do,” Becker said.

The survey can be taken through June 21 and is available through this link.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/KYDE/bulletins/2468a69