Optional Standardized Testing

The Benefits of Optional Standardized Testing
Students with higher grades and modest test scores did better in college than students with lower grades and higher test scores (Sheffer). This proves that grades are more accurate predictors of a student's academic success. There are many benefits of making standardized tests optional or not requiring them at all. Standardized tests are a biased way of measuring academic talent. Although the College Board believes the SAT is a good predictor of academic success, this method of testing should be optional for students, as high school GPAs are better reflections on a student’s work ethics and future success in a school setting also not requiring standardized tests for college admittance increases
ethnic and economic diversity in schools.
IQ tests such as the SAT were not always used for acceptance into college. The SAT was derived from the Army Alpha test which was used to test the IQ of army recruits. The Army Alpha Test was the first mass administered IQ test. Carl Brigham began adjusting the Army Alpha for college admissions. Brigham’s test was first given experimentally to a few thousand college applicants in 1926. This test was thought to be a good way of measuring innate ability regardless of prior education. In 1933, the president of Harvard began a scholarship program for students who were gifted but did not come from wealthy families; they were tested with Brigham’s SAT. In 1938, all schools that were part of the College Board used the SAT for scholarship applicants (“A Brief History of the SAT”). If they tested well enough, they would receive a scholarship. The SAT used to stand for Scholastic Aptitude Test. However, since it is not just used for scholarships anymore the acronym no longer stands for anything (“What Does the SAT Really Measure?”). In 1942, the SAT was used for all applicants. In 1948, the SAT was becoming the basic college admission device for millions (“A Brief History of the SAT”). 80% of schools still require a standardized test score for acceptance (Blaf). However, this percentage is going down and as it does colleges will rely more a grades, which are more precise calculations of intelligence.
High school GPAs are more accurate predictors of a student’s academic success. High school GPA matters the most because it shows long term commitment, self-discipline, hard work, and intelligence (Sheffer). William Hiss found that students with weaker grades and higher scores did worse in college than students with higher grades and more modest test scores (Balf). Optional testing better rewards those who worked harder in high school to get good grades. Schaeffer, a public education director, found no difference when students with strong high school records replaced those with top ACT/SAT scores and there was no negative impact on undergraduate academic performance (Jaschik). The time constraints and stress of actually taking a test are not part of a normal working atmosphere, therefore this is a poor way measuring a student’s abilities. Our education system is putting too much weight on standardized tests that are not even producing information that is not already given by grades.
Schools have seen multiple benefits after becoming test optional. Currently, there are 850 test optional colleges in the USA and this number is slowly growing (Sheffer). William Hiss believes making standardized tests optional will allow more people to get a higher education (Sheffer). Optional testing creates a more equal opportunity for everyone. A Wake Forest study showed that the average high school GPA of incoming freshman increased after the school stopped using standardized test scores as a factor in admissions (Balf). It was also found that higher GPAs were maintained in college (Jaschik). Dropping testing would result in higher levels of academic achievement in entering classes at public schools (Jaschik). A Wake Forest Study showed that 79% of the 2012 incoming class was in the top 10% in high school, before test optional it was in the low 60s% (Balf). Students who have worked hard in high school should be rewarded for their diligence instead rewarding intelligent students who do not demonstrate the proper effort. When colleges accept students with better grades instead of those with better tests scores, they are more likely to get determined students who will excel in college. At public schools, a 30% increase of minorities and low income applicants was seen when schools become test optional (Jaschik). Diversity is important in schools because everyone should feel welcome and have an equal chance. Simulations using real student applications at competitive colleges that require SAT/ACT scores found that ending the requirement resulted in large gains of black, latino, working class, and disadvantaged students (Jaschik). This simple change allows for a major increase in ethnic and economic diversity. Hiss’ data shows test optional will level the playing field for all students (Sheffer). Anything that equalizes opportunity in education should be supported.
Standardized tests are a biased way of measuring intelligence.
Reliance on the SAT in college admissions favors white and wealthier applicants (Jaschik). Students of families with an income of $0-$20,000 got an average score of 1326, while students of families with an income of $200,000+ got an average score of 1714 (Balf). Wealthy families can afford expensive test-prep classes and tutors (Balf). No only are lower class students disadvantaged by this but discrepancies have been found in the grading process. Longer essays have resulted in higher scores even if the content was not written well (Balf). Many feel that there is no real preparation for standardized tests in school. These test are supposed to be related to what the students are already learning but many feel unprepared without further studying. Teachers feel standardized tests are not based on class activities, but SAT scores at many high schools were published by state education departments; this caused teachers to be blamed for poor scores (Balf). All students should be prepared to take standardized tests without more studying outside of school. If intelligence is being measured with standardized tests, than students should be learning more about the content of these tests in school. Since everyone can not afford to study outside of school, standardized tests are a tainted and inaccurate way of measuring
intelligence.
Many believe standardized tests are the best evaluation of knowledge.
Based on College Board research, the SAT is a fair test for all students (“Validity Studies”). This is a very biased opinion since the College Board creates and alters the SAT. A University of CA study showed the SAT scores were slightly more predictive than GPAs (“Validity Studies”). However, only .05% of a GPA point set submitters and non-submitters apart. The difference in college graduation rates was just .6% (Sheffer). With the SAT only being “slightly” more predictive, it is clearly not as decisive as it should be. The College Board also claims the SAT is a strong predictor of first year success (“Validity Studies”). This may be true but what about the other three years assuming the student even stays in school. Grades are the only way to determine the probability of a student’s full four year college success because they show long term
commitment.
It is clear that grades are the best way to determine intelligence. College is not only about knowledge. It is about hard work and commitment too. Grades are the only way to know if a student is willing to work hard and have long term diligence. Standardized tests scores may show some intelligence but they can not show work ethic. If more schools become test optional, only benefits will result. More people will get a higher education and ethnic and economic diversity will increase. This is important because it gives everyone a fair chance of receiving a higher education.