Patricia A. Allison is professor of administrative assistant technology and division chairperson at Dodge City Community College. She also serves as the chairperson of the college's student assessment committee. No, the emphasis should be on strategies that help students learn-not how to measure learning. It's fine to have high standards. It's even fine to have real assessment.
Students also respond differently to pressure in the classroom.
Other students respond better to nurturing and have mental blocks during high-pressure testing. Then there are students with special needs. These students come to college with education plans that meet the needs of high school. But many hours of individual work with a counselor may be needed to adapt this plan to one that helps the student meet the rigorous requirements of a college curriculum. Testing gives the keepers of the keys to the academic kingdom an excuse to deny certain students access.