Arguments Against Standardized Testing

Standardized tests have been a part of American education since the mid-1800s. Their use skyrocketed after 2002's No Child Left Behind Act mandated annual testing in all 50 states. US students slipped from 18th in the world in math in 2000 to 31st place in 2009, with a similar decline in science and no change in reading. A standardized test is any form of test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from common bank of questions, in the same way, and that is scored in a “standard” or consistent manner, which makes it possible to compare the relative performance of individual students or groups of students The tests often have multiple-choice questions that can be quickly graded by automated test

These tests ensure that all students are being measured by the same knowledge and are all inclusive because they do not create different tests for minorities or people with disabilities. There are also those who argue that testing ensures teachers and schools are held accountable to local taxpayers. Many parents even use standardized test scores as a way to gauge how effective their children’s teachers are and as a means of pinpointing which areas their children need extra assistance

The US Department of Education believes that if teachers thoroughly cover the material that will be on these tests, then students will have mastered the material on the test long before they take it. Proponents say that standardized testing does not narrow the curriculum, but instead focuses it on important basic skills all students need in order to be successful. They believe that, in compliance with education policies, teachers will not be drilling students to memorize materials in order to obtain good score but are instead thoughtfully instructing students a curriculum that is aligned with the state standards. Those that oppose the use of standardized tests, however, believe that a great deal of class time is being consumed by monotonous test prep. Some schools will devote portions of the academic year solely to preparation for these exams to ensure that students score well and to ensure that the school receives its funding. Since No Child Left Behind, it has been found that teachers feel pressured to teach to the test, and as such there has been a decline in higher-order thinking and complex assignments. Because of the focus that is put on teaching for these tests, students lose a lot of