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How Young Is Too Young for State Testing?

Bubble-in tests for 5-year-olds? That was one teacher's first reaction when she heard Massachusetts was planning to implement a statewide assessment system for kindergartners . Allison S. (kindergarten, Colorado) found the state was considering observational and portfolio assessment practices rather than pencil-and-paper tests—but she was still shaken. As states vie for Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge funds, will some go too far?

Allison asked colleagues on the Teacher Leaders Network to share their thoughts on assessing early learners. Here are some highlights of the lively interchange:

Marsha R. (middle school science, Kansas) was first to respond:

I say "yes" to more assessment for 5-year-olds crafted by an expert teacher who knows his or her students' needs, the community, and the specific culture and conditions of the school. I absolutely say "no" to standardized...