I just read that ACT is developing a test of college-and career-readiness for children in kindergarten.
When I read something like this, my first reaction is to think it is a joke, a parody, a satire.
Surely, no adult can take this nonsense seriously.
But it is not a joke.
Someone is laying out millions of dollars to find out whether 5-year-olds are ready for college or career.
ACT expects that entire states will use the tests they develop.
This is madness.
There are differences among five-year-olds, but so what?
Children of this age grow and develop over time.
They learn new interests. They develop new skills. They discover things they never dreamed of when they were five.
Once again, I ask, knowing no one will answer: Have we lost our minds?
Diane
Both of my sons who now have masters degrees would have “flunked” kdg. tests. They are perfect examples, as Deb posted, of “Leo the Late Bloomer” when it came to testing, drills, and skills. They just weren’t interested in school & no amount of threats, cajoling, or discussions about the importance of school from mom (me) were going to change that. It wasn’t until HS for one and after HS for the other that they both turned into super achievers who cared about what they were being taught and worked hard to succeed. My 36 year old son just got his master’s degree from UTEP. He sent me all his papers to read (and edit if necessary). Excelling was his goal.
I am sick, sick, sick over the current emphasis on testing. It is so ridiculous, especially in the early grades. I wish every parent would opt-out of having their young children go through this unnecessary nonsense.