Ever since the mid-19th century, standardized testing has been a part of the United State’s education system, with its usage expanding dramatically following the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. This act required testing in all 50 states to ensure that all students meet academic standards. But as standardized tests play a larger role in education, the debate surrounding them continues to grow
What is standardized testing?
Simply put, standardized tests are evaluations that examine academic performance and achievement and are administered and graded in the same predetermined manner. Typically, they are multiple-choice, though some contain written responses. Supporters argue that standardized tests provide objective data on student achievement, but critics contend that students’ learning and development are not adequately measured by them.
The PROS:
One of the major advantages of standardized testing is that they help to create a better school system using the results of the tests. Policymakers use the data of the results and examine educational trends from the exams to help make decisions about the curriculum, where to allocate resources, and which educational reforms to enact.
Additionally, these tests create a reference for comparison. School administrators can readily compare results from students from different backgrounds by requiring all students to take the same test.
Furthermore, standardized tests are designed to reduce bias. While teacher grading can be subjective, standardized tests ensure all students receive the same exam, equal testing environments, and grades determined by a machine or blind reviewer. In this way, standardized testing provides the most objective assessment of students’ learning.
The CONS:
A large issue with standardized testing is the anxiety that comes with it. Standardized test scores have significant consequences and can determine things like graduation or college acceptance. This creates a high-stakes environment where the pressure to do well can be overwhelming. The fear of negative consequences can overshadow the purpose of the test itself, resulting in a focus on just pass a test, rather than genuinely understanding the material.
This is also an issue teachers face as well. Teachers are compelled to “teach to the test” in order to achieve certain testing standards. The most concerning flaw, though, is the relationship between socioeconomic class and performance on standardized tests. According to a Harvard study, SAT and ACT scores of 1300 or higher were 13 times more likely to be achieved by the children of the wealthiest 1% of Americans than by those of low-income families. This is likely due to their accessibility to better resources. Test-prep tools are much more available to wealthier families, resulting in an unequal advantage for some students.
A call for change?
Standardized testing remains a controversial issue, but it is clear that reform is needed. While it provides useful data for educational improvements, its flaws and inequalities cannot be overlooked. The American education system needs a more equitable approach to student assessment that prioritizes true understanding and equality. As the debate continues, will decision-makers embrace a more impartial and holistic approach, or will the shortcomings of standardized testing continue to be a persistent barrier to quality education?
