Standardized testing vs learners' potential

Hello colleagues, I'm a huge fan of podcasts. One of my favorites has been around for many years, This American Life. A recent episode, "A World Without the Need for Number Two Pencils," featured a story about Ivonne, a young woman who was a top student in high school but who had poor SAT scores.

There are so many questions that I have about the significance of standardized tests, and this story raised even more questions in my mind. I've always believed that it is essential for teachers to believe in every single learner's potential to soar. If you would like to be inspired, I'd encourage you to listen to this podcast. It dramatizes the incredible potential learners have --even when they don't show that potential on a standardized test.

Your comments are welcome!

Susan Finn Miller

Moderator, English Language Acquisition CoP