Assessment is a necessary evil in the classroom; on the one hand, standardized tests and grading are necessary to determine how the students are progressing. On the other hand, tests are always going to be biased to some degree. As a prospective teacher, I understand the need for standardized tests and grading but at the same time recognize that alternative means of assessment are also necessary. For example, teachers should offer students and their parents meaningful conversational feedback. Moreover, teachers of young children should not emphasize grades and testing in their classrooms. If students learn early on that school's only purpose is for grades and test scores, then they may become anxious about school. Also, assessment methods and learning are often completely disconnected; a student might be absorbing class material and learning a lot but still score poorly on tests. Another student in the same class might score exceptionally well on tests but derive little meaning from the material.

             I fell somewhere in the middle as a student. My scores were decent but I often dreaded tests just like many other students. I feel that tests have their place and from a teacher's perspective they are necessary to prove to parents and school administration that the course curriculum is being followed. Tests do help teachers to know when their students are not understanding certain aspects of the curriculum, and can help teachers assess where individual students might need some specialized attention. On the other hand, I also value a less competitive and more relaxed learning environment in which students enjoy school.

             Assessment methods become more problematic as students get older and enter milled school and high school. Many teachers at upper grade levels tailor their whole class curriculum for the sole purpose of helping their students perform well on the standardized tests. This teaching method is absurd and hinders genuine learning.