Arguments Against Standardized Testing

Over the years, standardized test have become more heavily depended on within the school system. The perspective on this type of testing system is 50/50 when the public perceives its importance. The question is, do these test adequately judge a students ability academically. Also, do they strip teachers of their freedom to teach freely based on the fact they have to teach for the test. When it comes to education as we all know, standardized test dictate the curriculum in the school system (Classroom Assessments for a New Century; one teachers quest to move beyond the bubble test). These test are used around the world in classrooms, for admittance decisions, and evaluations.When looking at these test we have to take into consideration the following:

Colleges all around the world look at standardized test to give them insight on a students performance in school and how they will perform in the future as well. They are given to evaluate a students scholar ability with respect to college admissions. They are also given to evaluate how a student is performing in school and how well a teacher is doing his/her job. When looking at these test though, do they really give us a proper evaluation? You get a gross score and that is compared to national norms (Standardized Test Assailed as Unfair by Administrators). The problem with this type of scoring is that not every student falls under the national norm; a student may fall below but still be a very successful and intelligent student. Standardized test are made for a means of evaluation and in some ways the testing is beneficial but in others it is not. According to the authors of the article “Standardized Tests Do Not Effectively Measure Students Achievement” there is an “underlying assumption” surrounding these test. To believe that they give us an understanding of students is a “dangerous illusion” that we are choosing to believe (Standardized Tests Do Not Effectively

When teachers are teaching by the test, in fear that their students will not pass, they are putting writing skills, problem solving skills, and real life lessons on the back burner. Kevin Finneren said “ Teachers are worried that a single test will narrow their curriculum and take away from important lessons such as writing and problem solving” (Testy about Testing). When a teacher’s curriculum becomes narrowed all of them will become cookie cutter teachers. Students will have nothing to look forward to when they go to school. Being a student myself, making learning fun is important so that the students stay interested in what is being taught. It is a true fact that “standardized test dictate the curriculum” (Classroom Assessments for a New Centruy, One teachers quest to move beyond the bubble test). Shouldn't a teacher following the guidelines of what a class should learn by the end of the year dictate the curriculum? Yes, it should so that when a student graduates that grade they leave with the knowledge to help succeed in the next school year. As much as students complain about going to school, we really do love it. Every one has a favorite teacher, subject, period and I'm sure its because it has left an imprint in their mind. The love of learning is still there but it is