In graduate school I attended a lecture on tests and assessments. As you probably know, tests and assessments are divisive to people who care about kids: we want kids to have access to everything that they need to succeed, but we do not want their futures to limited by labeling them.
On the first day of class, the professor acknowledged this dissonance.
“Despite the controversies, tests can be instrumental in explaining behaviors and aptitudes.” the professor said. “For example, if you are left-handed, please stand up.”
I stood. This being graduate school, so did a disproportionate number of students (left-handers are overrepresented in graduate schools and asylums).
“Of those who are standing, how many of your are right-footed? Everyone else sit down.”
I was left standing alone with one other classmate. The professor looked at me and said, “So, have trouble learning foreign languages?”
The blood rushed from me. I had struggled in my foreign language classes for my entire academic career. In that moment with that one little assessment, the professor showed me that there was an element of my learning that was beyond my control. Knowing that made me feel better about my foreign language failures and, ironically, gave me renewed confidence to try again.
I mention this because a recent study in Pediatrics revealed that parents are interested in genetically testing their children for susceptibility to certain health conditions. The study has sparked a debate about the right of children to make decisions about knowing or not to knowing. My story should give you an indication of what I believe, but what do you think? Please share your thoughts here.
