Why assessments?

Assessments have become a priority in school systems all over the world.  In Louisiana students must pass the LEAP, Louisiana Educational Assessment Program, in the forth and eighth grades in order to move on to the next grade.  I do not like this test or any like it because of the amount of pressure it puts on the students, teachers, and parents.  Some of the material on the test the children can't even relate to.  This test focuses on Reading and Math but includes Science and Social Studies.  I don't think it is fair that a child can be held back a grade because of one test.  I my kindergarten class I have to give benchmark tests for reading.  These test every three weeks are stressful.  My students don't quite understand the importance of passing a test yet but they get stressed because these tests are too long and they are very confusing sometimes.  The pictures are the main thing that confuses them and I do my best to explain as much as possible without giving the answer.

I read that Japan has a standardized test based educational system.  The article I read did not mention what standardized test but says once enrolled in junior high school all the "initiative, creativity, and thinking outside the box" is taken away because of the standardized testing.  Many Japanese students have lost their love for education because of this system.  The author mentions that because of this system Japanese are very indecisive and they don't have an opinion about anything.  He says if you ask their opinion they will answer but can't tell you why they feel that way.

I don't like our assessments but they are far better than what has been described in Japan.  I can't imagine not having an opinion about something or even worse losing my love for education because of standardized testing!