When I think of child development....

The quote that I have selected is as follows:

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.  ~Neil Postman, The Disappearance of Childhood (introduction), 1982

I selected this quote because it really symbolizes the impact that adults and those working in the field of early child development have on children, the world, and the future. Like many working in the field, I also entered the field to make a difference and have an impact of children and the community.

I would also like to extend a personally and professional “Thank you” to Rebecca and Chelsia. Both of you have played a role of pushing me outside of my comfort zone and making me rethink the other side of the argument. You have also educated me further on the field of early childhood in your Blogs and discussion posts. Thank you again, for everything.

Testing for Intelligence?

Testing is an excellent way to fully understand the needs of children. As a result of this, I fully support all types of testing and measurement processes as long as they do not compromise the well-being of the child or hinder the growth and development process. In additional to cognitive testing or measurement, I also believe that children should measure and tested on an emotional, physical, and social level. Without knowing where children measure up on these levels, educators, professionals, and care givers would not be fully of where how to provide these children what they truly need in order to foster healthy growth and development. In turn, professionals and care givers will be able to provide children with all of the resources that they need.  Without these tests and measurement processes, professionals and care givers would be blind to the needs of children and may not be providing them with the resources that are needed.

This belief is also held in the country of England. Within its school systems, children are subjected to national tests and SAT tests for English and Math as early as six to seven years of age (Woodlands Junior School, 2011). National tests and SAT tests are utilized throughout a child’s education in order to assess his or her cognitive abilities, social abilities, and physical abilities (Woodlands Junior School, 2011). Once children reach the age of 14 or 15 years of age, he or she is  tested in order to receive his or her General Certificate of Secondary Education (Woodlands Junior School, 2011).

One concern that I have about the testing and measuring processes that are utilized on children is their accuracy levels. If tests are inaccurate, it can compromise the healthy growth and development of these children.   A second concern is the invasiveness of these tests and whether or not they do have the potential to compromise the well-being of a child. If testing or measurement processes are highly invasive, it is believed that it can disrupt his or her holistic environment and have a negative impact on his or her self-esteem or self-image.

References

Woodlands Junior School. (2011). School Tests in England. Retrieved February 12, 2011 from http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/education/tests.html