Study Says Standardized Testing Is Overwhelming Nation's Public Schools

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Ever since the first American schools were established in the 17th century, millions of students have been enrolled in the public schooling system since then. However, since the years have passed, the main focus on schooling has been shifted. What once was a place to learn and build upon already acquired knowledge has turned into a setting of extravagant tests. The American public schooling system’s prioritization of standardized testing wastes classroom time, does not teach students the required life skills they need to succeed in life, causes unhealthy stress and is not an accurate measurement of student progress.
Although they use different mediums, Lyndsey Layton, Mike Keefe and Megan Weyrauch all take a common stance on schools: prioritizing …show more content…

A recent study showed the average number of hours spent testing and the average number of mandated tests given of 66 city school districts. “The heaviest testing load falls on the nation’s eighth-graders, who spend an average of 25.3 hours during the school year taking standardized tests, uniform exams required of all students in a particular grade or course of study. Testing affects even the youngest students, with the average pre-K class giving 4.1 standardized tests, the report found” …show more content…

The interviewer says to the young man “So, you were educated in the public school system- what does that qualify you to do?” The young man responds to the question by saying, “Is that a multiple choice, true-false, or fill-in-the-blank question?” The young man holds a number 2 pencil in his shaking hand and has a look of pure terror on his face. The young man does not know how to answer the question and is only concerned about how the question is being asked. Keefe is able to depict in his drawing the negative consequences on standardized testing: students are only focused on improving their test taking skills and have no time to develop the skills needed for life after school. While test taking is an important aspect of school, students need to spend more time developing skills needed for their future careers.
“9 Harmful Effects of Test Induced Stress” written by Megan Weyrauch talks about how stress affects students. Weyrauch