One of the most frequently stated criticisms of standardized test is that they do not measure creativity and problem solving ability. Because standardized tests are presented in a multiple choice format, a teacher cannot, for example, see where a child went wrong when he or she failed to solve a math problem correctly, because no work is shown. In addition, critics feel that the questions on standardized tests are too simplistic for children to fully demonstrate reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem solving , Especially in the case of reading selections, there may not be a single right answer to a question, and learning why children pick the answers that they do might help educators to provide better support.
Critics who feel that standardized tests are too simplistic believe that knowing information by rote does not always mean that information has been digested. For example, a student might be able to answer a question asking when Columbus came to the Americas, but may not understand the cultural and historical implications of the Age of Exploration, and the profound impact that Columbus had on global history. Test takers are not provided with space to process and explore issues on standardized tests because it would make them prohibitively expensive to administer and score. [How does this part support the main point in your paper against standardized test? Please relate this back to the thesis statement so to maintain coherence in your paper, Kevin.]
Many critics are also concerned about bias in test taking. Certain cultural and language biases may be impossible to eradicate entirely from standardized tests, critics believe, meaning that some populations such as girls and minorities may be at a disadvantage when they take standardized tests. While test writing companies do their best to eliminate obvious bias and offensive language, it is a difficult thing to correct for entirely.
Educators are concerned about