Considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically (i.e., a commitment to “the whole child”), what, if anything, do you believe should be measured or assessed? Explain your reasoning. Since we are all created differently and unique and also we develop as human beings differently; I think that we should be measured and/or assessed the same way. Just as we cannot measure the success of a family without considering culture neither can we assess an individual based on another individual.
In what ways are school-age children assessed in other parts of the world? (Choose a country or region of the world for which you have a personal affinity.) JAPAN - “An assessment for education was to be levied upon each household based on its financial status, and households without children of school age were equally liable. The assessment for each village was determined by the distance to the school. Attendance was expected from the age of about six to about thirteen and instruction was divided into three levels. The curriculum, which reflected the Civilization and Enlightenment movement, included an introduction to foreign languages as well as Western arithmetic” (Japan)
What additional ideas, comments, suggestions, examples, and/or concerns related to assessing young children would you like to share with your colleagues? My concerns with assessment are that they be fair. In assessing children we must consider all factors that come into play to include culture and whether or not the children received equal amounts of education and/or preparation to be successful in the assessment given.
Resources
Japans modern education system. Chapter I - Education during the late edo and early meiji periods - 2 The Educational Policy of the New Meiji Government (9) The Establishment of Elementary Schools and New Country Schools Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/hakusho/html/hpbz198103/hpbz198103_2_019.html
Again, your post was very interesting this week. I thought it was interesting to see what you found out about education in Japan. I lived in Japan for about two years and was surprised to see how much emphasize was put on education and school. Whenever you get on the train, you see boys and girls in uniform. They even go to school on Saturdays and Sundays because they attend clubs. Japan places a lot of emphasize on school and it a high priority. Children are very disciplined and take their education serious. Parents are very involved in children's education and it shows in their school system.
ReplyDeleteI also found it interesting that in Japan they go to school 7 days a week. As much as I feel that education is important I really cannot see the children in the United States attending school 7 days a week. I thought I heard somewhere that President Obama wants our kids to go to school year round (I know for a time California has done that and Nevada did too before the economy had gotten bad), but I am not sure if this is a good idea because it is too much schooling for young kids.
ReplyDeleteCarmen, it was interesting reading your post. I agree that assessment should be fair for everyone. I never thought to consider culture for assessment but I can see where it can affect the outcome of results. Great points made and especially interesting to read about educational system in Japan.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I too read information on Japan and their education system. It's seems like we here in the states may have our priorities in the wrong place.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read how differently children are assessed in different countries. I read that in China children are assessed at the end of each school term and must pass a test to move to the next grade as well as move from primary school. Interesting post about Japan.
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