The process of standardized testing has been part of the American education ever since the 1800s. Former President of the American Educational Research Association, W. James Popham, defines standardized testing as “any tests that is administered, scored, and interpreted in a standard, predetermined manner.” (Background). These certain tests usually have multiple choice that could be easily and quickly graded by automated test scoring machines. They also contain “open-ended” questions that require human graders; this is the more expensive alternative. After George W. Bush passed the No Child Left Behind bill in 2002, annual testing has been mandated in all 50 states; skyrocketing the use of standardized testing. However, United States pupils …show more content…
While adversaries would claim that it is neither fair nor objective and claim that the use of testing can promote a shortened curriculum and emphasize teaching the test’s material instead of the emphasizing of basic knowledge subjects. A student will be in class and instead of learning how to dissect a frog, the pupil will be sitting in class while a mundane lecture on how to “trick the question” on the ACT or SAT. The adversaries believe that too much testing can undermine Americas ability to make innovators and critical thinkers. Yes, it can take up much of a student’s learning years but it will train them to become “street smart” or critical thinkers. There are many types of standardized testing that are presently being used. However, high-stakes tests initiated the major controversy; they will hold many relevant significances for teachers, students, and schools. If one takes it and receives a low score, he/she will be prevented from progressing to the next higher level (i.e. next grade or a senior going to college), or it would lead to the teacher of the pupil to be fired or the closing of the school. If one takes it and receive high scores on it they are ensured continual local and federal funding and rewards to teachers and administrators with bonus