Standardized Testing

Standardized tests are large tests given to younger students where everyone is given the same test and graded on the same scale. Typically, these tests are multiple-choice to be fair among all students. By doing this, we are able to compare different groups of students as well as grade teachers on how well they are teaching. 

I understand why we have standardized testing; we need to see what areas students need more help on, gauge how "ready" they are to advance, and we need some form of accountability for teachers. But, standardized testing does not do any of those things. Many students have extreme test-taking anxiety causing them to score poorly; this reflects negatively on the students and the teacher when in reality, that could be a star student in the classroom. 

Standardized testing does not serve as a good indicator to reflect the teacher’s hard work and dedication to their students and the student’s growth in knowledge. Teachers work tirelessly with students making sure they are learning everything they can. Does one test reflect everything that the teacher has done all year? There will be circumstances where students just do not care. The test does not affect them at all, so why would they try? And why would we hold that teacher accountable for a student not caring? 

Cartoon of an Actual Standardized Test

Additionally, standardized testing is bad for students' mental health. For example, if a student scores below what they think they should, their self-esteem will plummet. They will assume they are incapable of achieving a good score or believe that they are "below" whatever standard they are being held to. This can lead a student to hate school and diminish their morale. 

Unfortunately, I don't see standardized testing leaving anytime soon. However, we need to find an alternative way to measure student knowledge, students' future success, and teacher performance.