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Arguments Against Standardized Testing Essay

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Standardized testing is an issue in the United States. Most people would agree learning determines on motiviation, "If the purpose of learning was to score well on a test, we lost sight of the real reason of learning." a quote by Jennie Fulbright, a multi-award winning author. Standard testing has been used in the educational system since the start of the twentieth century and has created some controversy along the way. Learning should be something every student is excited about, but in this day and age it's about doing well on an exam. A standardized test is an evaluation method based on the principle of consistency. Many would say that testing is a good way to measure if a student is ready to move forward into higher education, but standardized …show more content…

First off, minority students suffer from the effects of biased testing. The average scores for African American and Latino students are significantly lower than the average scores for white students. Many Hispanic students live in households with English as a second language, making it harder for them to get the educational resources they need. biased testing is another reason why these exams should be updated and revised to fit everyone's background. Racial patterns on test scores are nothing new, the stats of the SAT tests are released every year and nothing seems to change (Jaschik). In addition, low income students struggle to succeed in tests such as the SAT's. The SAT and ACT tests are unfair for low income families who happen to also be minorities. These families can't provide tutors or extra help, which negatively affects test scores. Admissions that rely on test scores tend to generate a bias against low income families (Soares). Finally, standardized tests leave students with disabilities without accommodations. To get accommodations for standardized tests, students must have to apply and provide documentation explaining why they need assistance. According to Marci Miller, a California attorney who has argued cases pertaining standardized testing and students with disabilities, "most people who try to get accommodations have difficulty doing so"(Jacob gardenswartz). students who don't get the assistance they need for the test either fail or drop out. Many different groups of students struggle passing these tests. standardized testing needs to be revised to fit the characteristics of all

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