There are many things that standardized tests can’t measure.
Tests can’t predict who will “succeed” in life, regardless of your definition of success. Tests can’t tell a child how or even what he needs to improve. Tests penalize our most creative thinkers. And our world needs all the creative problem solvers it can get.
So when I get an email or phone call from a parent whose child has scored poorly on a standardized test, my immediate hope is that the child hasn’t taken the test scores to heart.
That’s because I’ve seen what can happen when a child takes a test score too seriously. The shoulders that slouch in defeat. The voice that shakes with embarrassment. The sad eyes that let you know your child feels he’s let you down.
Ugh. It makes me want to stomp my foot and tell the child, “It just doesn’t matter. You are NOT your test score!”
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Help your child recognize the importance of the virtues that tests can’t measure. Hang our colorful and inspirational poster on your refrigerator or schoolroom wall as a visual reminder that character traits like creativity, generosity, and honesty are much more important than test scores!
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Things that Standardized Tests Can’t Measure
There are many (very important!) things that tests just can’t accurately measure. For example:
- A test can’t measure the compassion that shines in the eyes of a child caring for a chick that has fallen from its nest.
- A test can’t measure the generosity shown by a boy who gives his birthday money to the homeless man on the corner.
- A test can’t measure the creativity that has been poured into every priceless piece of artwork that hangs on the refrigerator.
- A test can’t measure the joy a little girl feels while slow dancing on her daddy’s feet in the living room after dinner.
- A test can’t measure the determination it takes for a child with dyslexia to complete just one reading assignment.
- A test can’t measure the love that is wrapped up in the warmth of a child’s embrace.
Children everywhere deserve to know this: You are NOT your test score.
You are so much more.
More Things Tests Can’t Measure
Our readers shared a few more qualities that tests can’t measure:
- Tests can’t measure imagination. (Ashley P.)
- Tests can’t measure how amazing our kids are! (Heather)
- Tests can’t reflect the joy of listening to a child read and act out a story with great expression and delight. (Pam C.)
- Tests can’t easily measure a child’s logic skills. (Learner)
- Tests can’t measure the gifts possessed by these young people, but especially their hearts. (Stacey)
- Tests can’t measure if a child will be a good citizen, a good husband or wife, or a good parent. (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can’t measure how much our children are loved and wanted. (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can’t measure success because learning is a journey in life…practice always makes progress! (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can’t measure faith, trust, hope, reliability, or depth of character. (Laura)
- Tests can’t measure friendship. (Sara)
- Tests can’t measure self-worth. (Sarah)
- Tests can’t measure what a child really knows. (Janet)
- Tests can’t measure curiosity or determination. (Maceo and Mama Pat)
- Tests can’t measure daily progress. (Sue)
- Tests can’t measure effort. (Alison S.)
- Tests can’t measure a child’s potential. (Diana)
- Tests can’t measure resiliency. (Lori C.)
- Tests can’t measure diligence and determination. (Wendy T.)
Is your child still feeling discouraged about a test score? Surround her with encouraging words!
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