I feel children's developmental level should be assessed considering the early childhood area. I would like to know if my child is developing in the areas of cognitive skills bio-social skills and psycho social skills. It is important to know if children are interacting with other children, being active, trying to write, draw or color or have emotional reactions to certain situations or peers. When children actually start school I do agree to assessments such as the MEAP test and basic test at the end of each term to keep information fresh.
It was interesting to learn that in china, school aged children typically start school at the age of six and in some districts seven years of age. When they began primary schooling, they are in school for 6 years and then junior high three years. The children take test at the end of each term and at the end of each year to determine their eligibility for the next level. Children are examined before entering the next grade level.
I have test anxiety so sometimes I think their should be ways around testing. Sometimes in such cases I believe being able to show and comprehend work by completing test and projects or papers shows evidence as such academic levels, but I agree with the way children are being assessed.
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1126210664195/1636971-1126210694253/China_Skills_Assessment.pdf
