Standardized tests measure a student’s ability to recognize and recall information, but when it comes to analyzing and applying what is learned in the classroom, a new type of testing called authentic assessments is gaining traction.
Hawaii schools could implement that kind of testing via House Bill 80, which would remove requirements for statewide standardized assessments for grades K-12 and replace them with authentic assessment options, which focus on “real-world problem solving,” including project- and problem-based learning.
“Life is not a standardized test,” said Big Island Rep. Jeanne Kapela, a Democrat who introduced the bill. “Authentic assessments shift the purpose of our learning system from test preparation to the development of critical thinkers who are equipped to handle the complex issues facing our islands.”
The use of authentic assessments would not replace national standardized tests, which are required by the Every Student Succeeds Act and for states to receive federal funding.
Authentic assessments would instead be given throughout the year as part of classroom-based performance evaluations.
“Authentic assessments, which require students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, are encouraged and can be developed by schools and school complexes,” said state Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi in written testimony. “Authentic and standardized assessments are not mutually exclusive, and authentic assessments are not intended to be used in lieu of required statewide standardized assessments.”
Standardized assessments became increasingly popular after 2001’s No Child Left Behind Act and 2009’s Race to the Top Assessment Program, which shifted educational priorities.
The DOE spent roughly $60 million on external testing-related contracts from 2015 to 2018, including $36.4 million for a contract with the American Institute of Research to furnish standardized assessments.
“In Hawaii, each test itself costs $65, but that does not include resources and personnel needed to administer each test, the cost of test-linked curricula, the price of test preparation materials and testing security contracts, and more,” Hawaii State Teachers Association President Osa Tui Jr. said in written testimony. “Rather than eliminate this costly burden in favor of authentic learning opportunities, DOE leaders renewed (American Institute of Research’s) multimillion-dollar contract in September of 2019.”
An estimated cost of implementing authentic assessments has not been determined.
Connections between standardized test scores and socioeconomic levels of student families have added to the controversy.
The SAT is one type of standardized assessment, and a 2015 study from Inside Higher Ed found that in all three of the test sections, the lowest average scores were among students from families that make less than $20,000 annually, while the highest averages were among students from families that make more than $200,000.
Access to private tutors, federal grants for high-scoring schools, and other resources were factors in the score differentials.
As a result, the University of California system abandoned the use of standardized testing for undergraduate student acceptance as of 2021, and the American Bar Association also opted to drop LSAT requirements for admission to any of the nation’s law schools starting in 2025.
“Numerous studies have shown that standardized testing outcomes are most heavily influenced by socioeconomic status,” Kapela said. “Hawaii Island schools are hit especially hard because they often exist in remote communities and have fewer resources than schools on Oahu, so their students don’t perform as well on standardized tests. When that happens, our island’s schools are penalized for under-performing.”
Heidi Armstrong, DOE deputy superintendent, said during the committee hearing that the DOE already is prioritizing authentic assessments.
“Our Office of Strategy Assessment and Performance currently has an initiative underway to develop our teachers skills and abilities to ensure that these assessments they are creating are appropriate and measure what they’re intending to measure,” she said. “The department does agree that authentic assessments are very meaningful and valuable for our students and teachers.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.