Why Should Standardized Testing Be Banned

Standarized Testing Should Be Banned There are many questions concerning the education system. Everyone always seems to have an opinion on this certain topic, but no one is producing solutions to the problem. For example are standardized tests really helping the system? The “No Child Left Behind” act was established in the U.S in 2001. The law states that all children in public school have to be tested in reading and writing. This testing starts in grades third through eight, and also they have to be tested throughout high school. Are these test really necessary though? Most people would answer that question saying of course how else would we know if our children are really learning in school? The truth of the matter is standardized testing only focuses on student memory. The tests really aren’t a valid reflection of the students performance and it needs to be stopped.
Standarized testing evaluates a students performance based off one day and not off what they actually really know. There are also many people who just don’t perform well on tests. There are plently of children who are intelligent and understand the content completely,but it isn’t going to show on the test. There is also kids who develop test anxiety which hinders their performance. Kids like this have no other choice but to bomb tests because they can’t help it.
Standarized testing also causes many teachers to only “teach to the tests”.
This can really hinder a students overall full potential of learning. For example everyone isn’t interested in the same topics, we all have our preferences. If the child is simply uninterested in the topic of course they aren’t going to give their full attention and work to their full potential. Teachers should not only teach for the tests but teach for the students to make sure they’re actually understanding the content. The truth is these tests only evaluate the individual performance instead of the overall growth of that student over the course of the
year. You always have to make sure you evaluate the pros and the cons of everything though. This way you can balance and see which one is the best decision. They’re plenty of great things to rely on for standarized testing. For example the testing holds the schools and teachers accountable. This is the greatest benefit the fact that the teachers and schools are responsible for teaching the students the criteria to make sure they are well informed and prepared for these tests. This way they can get the student extra help and need and also can aware the parents. It also gives the parents a good idea of how their children are doing and they can compare accurately to other kids across the country and locally. “(Bright Hub Inc)” These tests also help students develop a higher thinking level, the assessments covers several skills within each question. This will lead to better problem solving skills and increased reasoning. “(meadon)”