Arguments Against Standardized Testing

In today’s society, it is a tragedy to know that many schools in America depend on a standardized-testing-based education system in order to assess young minds and their knowledge. These tests are supposedly the most effective way to measure the knowledge and skills a student may “possess in a particular content area” (Popham). However, it has been proven that standardized tests are neither accurate nor do they properly test the extent of knowledge and information that a student may actually possess. Standardized testing is an ineffective way to evaluate students as it has been proven to be ineffectual in properly showcasing students’ potential and intellectual capability; in addition to that, the general public involved with the school
Not much could be learned from a test score. Some argue that “testing is only important to track students’ progress and performance” rather than “cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and speed” (Bidwell). Standardized tests are only being used to compare students to one another. Every student has different abilities, and it is unfair to test them all under the same conditions. Children are being hurt by these tests because they are unable to recognize what they really can do (Merrow). It is better to encourage students on their individual talents and passions so that it can help them be successful in what they want to do. A low standardized test score should not be allowed to determine one’s
Researchers studied the relationship between tests and instructional material, and they were able to conclude that “50 and 80% of what was measured on the tests were not suitably addressed in textbooks” (Dophem). This statistic demonstrates how the tests that are given to the students are unfair and lack proper incorporation of all possible learning materials. Cutting down to a certain amount of “standards” that are tested on discriminates students who are not necessarily adept at the “core subjects”, and are instead talented in more creative subjects such as music and art. The purpose of school and education is meant to develop and broaden student’s skills, which are often much more inclusive than a test could ever be. Despite this, standardized tests often cut down on the skills that are acquired and “measure only a portion of the goals of education” (Harris). Both the actual course material and skills and attributes gained from education are not included on the tests, exposing the flawed ways of the standardized testing that often determine the fates of students in their journey to higher education and potential careers. These skills that students can acquire include valuable strengths such as creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, which are valued in the workforce; to not emphasize these would be detrimental to students’ development. Standardized testing is