The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is usually perceived as the optimum way to judge the effectiveness of the learning system; however, if the reason for learning is to evaluate test scores rather than achievement and ability, then the real purpose of learning is lost. The explosive rate of standardized testing has caused a narrowing in the core curriculum and stifling of creative thinking in all fields. There are better ways to evaluate performance and understanding. The most advanced ways are good teacher observation, documentation of student work, and performance-based assessment. The glaring flaws of the standardized testing system in public schools outweigh the beneficial aspects and that is why it should be eliminated.

The goal of standardized testing
Students often fail these tests and get passed on to the next grade level anyway. This leads to higher dropout rates. If schools altogether score poorly, their funding gets cut. This will cause them to lose tutoring and materials, and again, ultimately higher dropout rates and even potential school closings. **** insert statistic**** Students test scores aren't constantly reliable because they vary from day to day due to testing conditions or the testers mental and emotional state. This is especially true for minority students with performance anxiety or even ADHD because these tests bring on a lot of stress. *****(((One in three elementary school students suffers from test anxiety. ))) They cannot compete with the leading students of their schools, so they have lower test scores. Teachers are paid based on their merit, but factors outside of teachers control effect test scores, such as minority students, again, and even biased tests where cultural assumptions built into the tests remain. The teachers reward quick answers and do not measure deep or creative thinking, which undermines student engagement within the classroom. It's not a fair method, nor is it a helpful evaluation
It's more about what and how they learned than how much was learned; it's academic quality versus academic quantity. They believe that their grades measure their intelligence because that's what their teachers are drilling into their thoughts. This makes the students and teachers fundamentally flawed. Students are not understanding that their grades do not define them as a person. If they stop believing that their grades are a reflection of their self worth, then they will realize what it's really about, which is the type of person they become, their qualities, and the importance of their work ethic. They need to stop viewing themselves as bad people because their grades are not up to par with the current standards. The pressure of getting good grades and high test scores actually cripples them from getting the grades and scores they actually want and deserve. Therefore, teachers need to stop putting so much pressure on students to get these high scores so that the true purpose of learning is the main