Do Standardized Tests Really Measure Intelligence?
Definitional Argument Analysis
Do Standardized Tests Really Measure Intelligence?
Some may beg to differ when people say the SAT or ACT are not fair to everyone. Not everyone may test well, so these tests are not an accurate assessment of someone’s intelligence. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the SAT first stood for the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic Assessment Test; now it does not stand for anything. The SAT is a college entrance exam for high school students, and it measures strictly mathematical and verbal reasoning skills. On the other hand, the ACT, which stood for American College Testing, is scored differently and measures English, math, reading, science and an optional writing section. Some people may argue that these standardized tests will determine how well someone will do in college, but then again some people are not good test takers and perform better on tests that they can study for. Therefore, I believe standardized tests do not accurately measure intelligence of people because everyone performs differently on tests.
There are many advantages to taking standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. One being practicality, which is the biggest argument of standardized tests.
Aspects include: Standardized tests are less time-consuming than more complicated assessments that need personal time with every student. Standardized tests are easier to administer. There are explicit directions given and each student is given the same directions in the same way. They are easier to grade, machines do it for us. They are very easy to use a computer to track progress and levels of achievement for different groups of students in different subjects. (Holloway)
Secondly, accountability plays a huge role in the pros of these tests. Nathan, author of “The Human Face of the High-Stakes Testing Story” says, “Setting high expectations for students and holding them accountable for the same standards, leads to achievement gains. High-stakes
Do Standardized Tests Really Measure Intelligence?
Some may beg to differ when people say the SAT or ACT are not fair to everyone. Not everyone may test well, so these tests are not an accurate assessment of someone’s intelligence. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the SAT first stood for the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic Assessment Test; now it does not stand for anything. The SAT is a college entrance exam for high school students, and it measures strictly mathematical and verbal reasoning skills. On the other hand, the ACT, which stood for American College Testing, is scored differently and measures English, math, reading, science and an optional writing section. Some people may argue that these standardized tests will determine how well someone will do in college, but then again some people are not good test takers and perform better on tests that they can study for. Therefore, I believe standardized tests do not accurately measure intelligence of people because everyone performs differently on tests.
There are many advantages to taking standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. One being practicality, which is the biggest argument of standardized tests.
Aspects include: Standardized tests are less time-consuming than more complicated assessments that need personal time with every student. Standardized tests are easier to administer. There are explicit directions given and each student is given the same directions in the same way. They are easier to grade, machines do it for us. They are very easy to use a computer to track progress and levels of achievement for different groups of students in different subjects. (Holloway)
Secondly, accountability plays a huge role in the pros of these tests. Nathan, author of “The Human Face of the High-Stakes Testing Story” says, “Setting high expectations for students and holding them accountable for the same standards, leads to achievement gains. High-stakes
Cited: Caperton, Gaston. "SATs Help Colleges Make Smarter Admissions Calls." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 04 Sept. 2009. Print. 11 Mar. 2012. Gardner, S. “Forecasting and Managing Student Achievement on High-Stakes Test”. T.H.E. Journal. n.d. Web. 2012. Holloway, J.H. “The Use and Misuse of Standardized Tests.” Educational Leadership. n.d. Web. 2012. Nathan, L. “The Human Face of the High-Stakes Testing Story.” Phi Delta Kappan. n.d. Web. 2012. Popham. W.J. “Right Task Wrong Tool.” American School Board Journal. n.d. Web. 2012. “What 's Wrong With Standardized Tests?" The National Center for Fair & Open Testing. n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2012.