Adaptive standardized tests /elementary education?

I ask as a parent of a 4th grader who has just finished "Caaspp testing" at public school in California.

It is my understanding that this exam is adaptive, meaning, the questions become more difficult as the exam goes on, if the student answers previous questions correctly.

We are in a school that provides no homework or quizzes/exams. It is a public school, our default school. One of my kids came home very upset about a specific long division question which he couldn't solve. He asked a friend (a reliable historian) if he had this same type of question, he said no.

As I am not a professional educator, I would love your insight as to why this type of testing is deemed appropriate at such a young age. We are at a very low performing school, in math and English. (typically less than 50% perform above grade level.) I have an appointment to speak with the principal next week, but would love your feedback.

(My board exams were adaptive, but that's for adults.)

Thank you.

Submitted May 21, 2019 at 07:49PM by Nightnightgun http://bit.ly/2LYXeMN