Repeat Tests — Time to Re-think Them?

Why you should let students repeat tests.

Do you let your students repeat tests? If you don't, you might want to re-consider your stance. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Dr. Justin Tarte recently tweeted a quote from Rick Womeli, a national education consultant, about letting students repeat tests. Womeli makes a simple argument. He states that, in the real world, people are allowed to take tests many times, citing many examples. He also adds that not allowing re-takes makes the stakes too high, calling it arrogant to say that any given quiz, test, or homework assignment is so important that you only have one chance to get it right. The full quote is posted below.

What do you think? Do you already let students repeat tests? Will this quote make you reconsider testing re-takes? Or do you think re-takes and this quote are complete hogwash?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.