Rather than IQ testing, I think we need to address other types of testing in the classroom. I am always concerned about the appropriateness of testing students, especially the youngest students. I don't believe putting the youngest students through lengthy achievement testing is necessary unless it provides a teacher with information that is helpful for classroom instruction.

MAP testing (Measure of Academic Progress) seems to be the popular test of the moment.https://www.nwea.org/assessments/map/ In my district, kindergarten and first grade are put through a computerized test of 57 questions in ELA and another 57 math questions. The tests are given over two days, although it could be stretched out longer if the teacher prefers. My district tries to have each grade complete the test in 2 days. That means at least two hours of academic time are set aside three times a year for this test. My first graders cry. They cannot manage the mouse or the track pad since most of their technological experience has been on ipads. As the teacher who knows my students best, I have to wonder if the results I will get within 24 hours are even accurate.

A benchmark test I do prefer to use in my classroom is the Fountas and Pinnell reading assessment. The test is administered by the the teacher, one on one, with the student. It gives me immediate feedback about my students' strengths and weaknesses in reading. It allows me to adapt my instruction to best fit the needs of the students.

Testing needs to provide accurate and helpful information. If it does not, we should not be putting our students through the rigor of testing.