Identify a post that was the same as my choice, but it appears that everyone has a different choice than mine, so please respond to the attached discussion of Cynthia Wager and her assumption . Please follow the instructions in the bulleted list for your response.
Response Guidelines
Carefully read the response guidelines regarding the two different submissions required for response posts.
• Respond to the posts of at least two other learners.
• Attempt to identify one post that is the same as your choice and one that is different from your choice.
• Discuss how the content of the post is similar to or different from your post and explore how different experiences and knowledge result in different perspectives.
• Focus on providing facts, rather than opinion to support the assumption being presented as concerning to them.
• Keep in mind that the objective of response posts is to stimulate discussion, promote an exchange of ideas, and (most importantly) to generate a sense of community among learners in the courseroom.
Cynthia Wager
Assumption - Testing and Assessment Can be conducted in a Fair and Unbiased Manner
The assumption which I chose is Assumption #6 Testing and Assessment Can be conducted in a Fair and Unbiased Manner. The part that concerns me is the unbiased manner. I would say I am somewhat concerned with this assumption. As stated in our reading, Chapter 4, despite the efforts to publish fair and unbiased tests problems can arise (Cohen, Swerdlik, &Sturman, 2013). In every area of our lives there are signs of bias and unfairness.
It is an extremely difficult area that one can state that all things can be done in a Fair and Unbiased Manner. It can be attempted with every desire to make it that way but the possibility of a situation arising that will conflict with the test is always possible. After further research in my field of interest I found a journal writing which states the importance of valid and nonbiased testing in educational settings, although it has not been explored for those who may be blind or hearing impaired if the tests offered are suitable for these students. It is stated that the available tests rely on visual or auditory abilities as a result this can show bias to those who are not visually or auditory able (Lund, Miller, & Ganz, 2013).
I would say that my assumption of elements identified is based on a previous experience as which I saw at my place of work. The children at our school are included in the PARCC testing which takes place in the public school setting. Although, we do have them take the test on our site and with support staff there, the staff is not allowed to help them at all with the test itself. These tests are done on the computer with a great deal of reading, math and so on.
Our students are not at the ability level of regular education students yet there are no adjustments for them when taking the test. I would consider this as a bias to those with autism or other disorders who are made to take this tesThe elements of this assumption were concerning to me due to the area I work in which is schooling, those that are hired and may have assessments done prior to hiring. Are these assessments being done in a fair and non biased way? Or are they being assessed in a political manner where the job isn't being filled properly to best support our students. Also, for the assessments being performed on our students for proper academic and behavioral treatment are they being prepared and performed in a non biased way so the children are getting proper treatment.
Working in a school setting with children on the spectrum of autism and emotional disorders I have seen many different aspects to where behavioral assessments and academic assessments have been completed. One that comes to mind is a student who was assessed for both academic and psychological (emotional) issues. He was assessed and sent back to his main district even though he showed signs he should remain in our setting with proper ABA treatment. The unfortunate thing is the reason they took him back was more financial and even though the tests showed signs he should remain they were able to adjust results to show he would be able to proceed in their setting. The outcome of this story is that he has now returned to us and has had a setback because he lost that proper treatment.
I would say that Chapter 11 in the Psychology Testing and Assessment text may be relevant for me in my line of work. I work in a public school setting with children who are on the spectrum of autism and also those who have emotional disorders. With each of these come academic difficulties due to learning disabilities and emotional disabilities. To learn and understand the way the assessment tests are used and how we can properly work with the children with disabilities to better take and use these tests would be extremely helpful.
References
Cohen, R.J., Swerdlik, M.E., &Sturman, E.D. (2013). Psychological testing and assessment (8th ed.).
Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Education.
Lund, E.M., Miller, K.B., & Ganz, J.B. (2013). Access to Assessment? Legal and Practical
Issues Regarding Psychoeducational Assessment in Children with Sensory Disabilities.
Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 25(3), 135-145. Doi:10.1177/1044207313478661