Why remove standardized testing?

Overview

Students

Standardized tests often are not a reflection of a student's academic capability, but instead are a reflection of other external factors, such as home life and school location.

Teachers​

Teachers feel pressure to teach their students for standardized tests, instead of educating their students so that they can learn material well. Sometimes, a teacher's pay will even be dependent on the test scores of their students.

Learning Environments

Standardized testing instills fear and unhealthy competitiveness in students, which can have a negative impact on classrooms and other learning environments.

Removing standardized testing would create a more equal and beneficial learning environment for students and teachers.

Personal Experiences

High School Teacher

Q: How did you feel about standardized testing as a student?

A: I liked it because I was good at it, but I didn’t like standardized tests as a whole. But we were also taught how to do well on these tests in school, and it helped me do well. But I don’t think that made me a smarter person.



​Q: Did the results of your standardized tests affect your future?

A: It affected where I went to school, but ultimately, it did not change what I ended up doing as my job. You just have to work hard and apply yourself.



Q: Do you think standardized testing is the best way to measure a student's knowledge and skill?

A: No. A good way to measure how one handles pressure, but it’s data, and you should never make broad decisions based on this.



Q: Do you think students should receive exceptions based on personal differences?

A: Yes. However, still, it is a single data point that doesn’t measure the entire picture of a student. Trying to even the playing field a little is definitely helpful.



Q: If you had the option to take away standardized testing, would you? Why or why not?

A: I think it should be optional. I like the idea of test-optional schools especially for college. It should be taken into account, but it shouldn’t be the be-all-end-all. We should spend more time with a holistic approach to education.



Q: Do you have any other comments about standardized testing?

A: Not really. I’ve been fortunate to have benefitted from them, but I know others deserve a more fair chance.

Student with a Learning Disability

Q: How many standardized tests have you taken during your life?

A: Probably, 11



Q: Have you ever studied for a standardized test?

A: Yes, I studied for a while but gave up after about a half an hour.



Q: Is there any reason standardized testing might be unfair to you personally?

A: I have diagnosed ADHD, and I was not able to get assistance for standardized tests before Freshman year. After however, I was able to access extended time.



Q: Do you fear that how you perform on standardized tests will affect your future?

A: Yes.



Q: What is your overall opinion on standardized testing?

A: I don't like it.



Q: Do you have any other comments about standardized testing?

A: The AP Tests, SAT, and ACT have hand-graded portions, and some feel hypocritical. It is not fair because there can be biased involved with the grading, and this puts many at a disadvantage

$1.7 billion on average are set aside every year for standardized testing in each state. 

Tax dollars should be spent on making sure all teachers have fair wages, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and providing resources for students such as new textbooks and tutoring. However, a large amount of money is funneled into standardized testing.

What do we mean when we say "standardized testing"?

Misconception

Many believe that when we talk about standardized tests we are only referring to tests administered at the high school level, such as the SAT and the ACT.

Correction

In reality, we are referring to all standardized tests administered to students during the school day, Kindergarten through 12th Grade.