Testing for Intelligence

The debate in the area of cognitive development and whether or not young children should be assessed is a valid argument. I think a child intelligence should be measure when it has been deemed necessary by a medical professional when the parents have expressed a concern such as their child is three years of age and not talking. Strauss, 2011 stated any assessment on children ages 3-5 is unreliable because the testing requires a complex information processing skill that young children may not have completely developed. However, there is the theory that the intelligence of young children can be measured and meaningfully quantified by a dynamic system that continues to develop throughout life. The important factors for growth include teachers facilitating learning experiences, impacting the quality of learning and influence the potential intelligence of each student (Hine, 2014). Reuven Feuerstein an Israeli psychologist and educator created an approach that focuses on the quality of interaction between the teacher and the learner, called Mediated Learning Experiences (Hine, 2014). He has successfully demonstrated how, through systematic and planned enrichment, intelligence can be modified, expanded, and developed. (Hine, 2014).
I have researched most of the major countries around the world to find out in what ways children are assessed in other countries. I discovered in other parts of the world educators are using some of the same forms of testing used here in the United States. There is evidence from the DVD Journey through the Life Span "Middle Childhood" that standard testing cannot be used on children living in Africa far out in the bush. Through the course of my research there was also reference made from theorist who believe testing is not necessary for young children. Some educators believe children cognitive abilities are only as advanced as what they learn from life experience, the environment, and from interaction from family members.
In day care our focus is not assessment in the form of IQ's; what we keep track of is the development of the whole child. If we notice there is a delay in a child based on information documented in the child's portage tool; our Toddler/Preschool Director who has a graduate degree in Special Education will me with the parents and suggest some form on intervention or referral to professionals for evaluation.


Reference:
Hine, C. (2014, April 10). Developing Multiple Intelligences in Young Learners. Retrieved from earlychildhoodnews.com
Strauss, V. (July 19). Why giving standardized tests to young children is "really dumb". Retrieved from washintonpost.com