2nd week reflection: tests and testing

Ideally students should be able to do well on a test without studying.  They should not be learning the information when they study, but simply refreshing their memory.  They should have learned the material in class.  Unfortunately, that is not how the world of testing seems to work.  When I was a student there were certain classes that I had to study for in order to do well.   Others I could do well if I just paid attention in class, read, and did the assignments.  Aside from practicing problems, I never studied for math tests.  It was a process, so if I had learned the process I could handle the test questions.  In literature classes, I would review characters, setting, and vocabulary, but I wouldn't necessarily study.  History, however, was always something for which I had to study.  If I studied, I would do well on the test.  Over time, however,  some of the historical information seemed to seep out of my ears and the rest would become blended with all the other pieces of information in my head.   I found history fascinating and, when presented well, quite engaging, but I never felt confident about my chronological memory in regards to history.  Even today I wish I could find a way to get dates, names and events better stuck in my head.  My husband can discuss the finer details of just about any aspect of history and politics- I have come to accept that I do not have that gift.  I wonder if or when students begin feeling that they don't have the "gift" for learning- either a subject area or in general.  I wonder how many give up too early.  Changing the way we assess students could help.  
Standardized testing is done for the same reason that teachers rely on tests rather than other forms of assessment.  It is efficient and objective.  It can be given quickly, graded quickly and assigned a numerical score which can be compared to other numerical scores.  I understand the purpose of standardized testing. It is a good way to see trends, particularly in groups.  Gaps in learning can be exposed, weaknesses and strengths in understanding can be identified.  This is only true, however, if the standardized test is not the focus of learning.  More than with any other test, students should be able to take a standardized test and do well because they have learned the curriculum.  The test should not be the focus of learning.  Students should take it seriously, but it should not stress them out.  The other trouble with standardized tests is that for the most part, they only test math, reading and vocabulary.   Math, reading and vocabulary may not be a strength for a student, but she may have an amazing understanding of science, history, music, or geography.  If a test is to be given to students to see how well they are learning, it should cover everything that they are learning.  The tests should be based on the curriculum, not the other way around.