Standardized Testing Essay

To Test or To Read It would be nice to imagine that everyone begins at the start line together. Unfortunately, a majority of people start at a disadvantage. In most public elementary schools, there are students in every grade level that are reading behind grade level. Consequently, these same students will encounter tests throughout their whole academic career. Starting in elementary school, a literacy gap will begin to emerge among students. As this gap grows, standardized testing will remain or increase to a point where some students are so far behind that it becomes intimidating to be in an academic setting. While many factors can contribute to the literacy gap, there are companies and corporations that continue to profit off of distributing

Meredith Broussard explains how standardized testing does not prove a child’s general knowledge nor creative in-depth thinking by stating, “Standardized tests are not based on general knowledge... they are based on specific knowledge contained in specific sets of books: the textbooks created by the test makers” (Broussard). Miner also states that standardized testing, “... leads to a dumbed-down curriculum that values rote memorization over in-depth thinking, exacerbates inequities for low-income students and students of color, and undermines true accountability among schools, parents, and community” (Miner). The assessment of a child should encourage a child to want to learn for the sake of learning. Alternative assessments could address a child’s development and learning process. These evaluations can determine why children are more likely to read behind grade level, instead of highlighting their inabilities. Children should focus on creating a coherent voice, not meeting standard. Speech, writing, and reading development aid can be embodied in a series of ways. Furthermore, standardized testing is not the most efficient way to help or understand a

People like former Education Secretary, Arne Duncan are “concerned about testing too, but he has written he "strongly believes" in annual tests as an educational tool” (Kamenetz). Although some people see standards as a positive incentive, students and teachers suffer from the repercussions of standardized testing. Additionally, others also believe that data enforces progression and reform. LaTasha Gandy, supporter of standardized testing, believes that because of standardized testing, data shows who is falling behind and struggling. (Gandy). Although she makes the point that standardized testing does show results for areas of improvement, she does not acknowledge why these tests are controversial, and why some students already start at a disadvantage. People forget that teachers and administrators work for students; this means young children. Students, especially young children, must aim to be strong readers in order to survive in society. Everyday people are mislead and taken advantage of because of poor literacy skills. It is crucial that classrooms terminate the problem early on, not perpetuate it. The deadliest disadvantage is poor literacy skills or just being completely illiterate. According to Messemer, “Literacy has lifelong impacts on educational achievement, employment and earning power, health, and other areas” (Messemer). If it is known that literacy has a large