Arguments Against Standardized Testing

SAT Prep, teachers putting stress on their students, parents reinforcing their children, these are all ways that standardized testing can affect a student. But should their results make or break them in an academic standpoint? Standardized testing such as the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests can all determine whether or not a student gets into their top choice school. Recently, this issue has been brought to the attention of teachers, administrators and parents as to whether or not it should be the baseline for academic success. Why do some think that one test is a helpful way to view a student academically? Standardized testing should not determine academic success of oneself in that they shouldn’t harm students. On a day to day basis,

With the way these tests are set up, cheating is unheard of due to the different questions asked in multiple orders. “Cheating by teachers and administrators on standardized tests is rare, and not a reason to stop testing America’s children” ( ProCon.org 9). It is almost impossible for one to cheat on these exams since no one knows exactly what will be on it. Teachers and other administrators are unable to change students’ answers due to the security and regulations it has. In real life situations, in multiple career paths, one will have to perform certain tasks on a standardized test like the one proctored in high school. “Physicians, lawyers, real-estate brokers and pilots all take high-stake standardized tests to ensure they have the necessary knowledge for their professions” (ProCon.org 10). In order to go down any of these career paths, one will have to use his or her power of knowledge and perform it on a standardized test. By practicing in the early stages of one's life, one will begin to find successful study habits, ways to remember information, and possibly even a way to handle stress well. With the reliable, inclusive, and specific information on these tests, it can possibly lead one to academic

Students anxiously study, worry and stress about the upcoming test that is said to determine their success in life. Why should one test determine whether or not a student is smart? Or whether or not a student can do an algebra problem? Possibly without all the stress a test can put on a student, they could perform better. On the other hand, people against standardized testing say that “ Standardized testing causes severe stress in younger students”( ProCon.org 5). Students become so anxious and stressed out about these “life-determiner” tests, they begin to form unhealthy habits. Not only do the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests all stress out high schoolers, but testing in the elementary schools such as the NYS Exams, “ rob children of their childhoods”(ProCon.org 10). It is said that giving tests to students at an earlier age will help them prepare for bigger and more important tests later down the road. But aren’t children supposed to have a carefree upbringing? Aren't children supposed to be able to have fun in elementary school with their only worry being what game they will play at recess? These tests put on unnecessary stress to younger students when they should just be able to run around without a care in the world. It is a popular opinion that standardized testing is a great way of measuring student achievement. One may say this on a day to