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How Does Standardized Testing Affect Society

1251 Words6 Pages

Laura Jaramillo
Ms. Henry
English II
02 April 2018
Education
Public school is supposed to help students have a place in society knowing how to make decisions for the society (Solley). Currently, children are taught information that is not necessarily applicable to the real-life situations. For example, geometry is not used in everyday life but knowing how to do taxes would be helpful. Students are getting the short end of the stick because teachers are teaching them for the test and not teaching them to learn. This is not only affecting students but can affect society since they are the future. Over the years education has been declining due to teachers getting paid based on student test scores, the pushing of standardized testing, and students …show more content…

“They know standardized tests measure only a portion of student achievement” (Thorson). If standardized tests only measure a portion of student achievement then what is the benefit, to see if students can remember a concept for a test that they will never need to know again? These tests can’t measure the other attributes of students like creativity, leadership skills, or more necessary skills. “So by ignoring attributes that they can’t properly assess, standardized tests inadvertently create incentives for students to become superficial thinkers- to see the quick, easy, and obvious answer” (Harris et al. 36). What this means is standardized tests do not give students the chance to think outside of the box. In the real world being able to take tests is not going to be an asset, being able to solve problems in a creative but efficient way will be more of an asset in life. In 1999 high school graduates took about 18-21 standardized tests (Solley). In the span of 12 years there are 18-21 tests. With standardized testing there is not a way to test student skills, but even if they could, students aren’t even being taught these skills that are necessary for everyday life. Instead they are taught things like calculus which is not necessary once you get out of …show more content…

The focus on STEM courses is hiding the fact that students are not socially ready to help in the economy (Edmonds et al.). Students are taught excess amounts of math and science in the years they go to school but not how to correctly interact with their peers. Students being able to speak their minds in a correct manner is equally if not more important than math or science. A “well rounded” person is better for the world than someone who knows something but can’t communicate it or lead others to success (Edmonds et al.). Students are taught so much about math and if they can remember it, it will be no use if they can’t explain to others what they mean. This can also lead to issues when they apply for jobs, as they won’t know how to lead or interact in the proper manner because they were never taught to do so. STEM education is important for schools, but they should be taught as well as arts, behavioral sciences, and leadership skills (Edmonds et al.). The arts and behavioral sciences are just as important as math and you can learn other skills you wouldn’t be able to learn in math. Teaching the arts and behavioral sciences, along with math will help mold students into individuals who can contribute to society. Even though math and learning in school are important but, life skills are more important for students’

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