The Debate Over Standardized Testing Essay - 1287 Words

In classrooms all across America, students sit perched over their desks in the process of taking standardized tests. As the students take the tests, teachers pace nervously up and down the rows of their classroom, hoping and praying that their students can recall the information which they have presented. Some children sit relaxed at their desks, calmly filling in the bubbles and answering essay questions. These children are well prepared and equipped to handle their tests. Other children, however, sit hunched over their desks, pondering over questions, trying to guess an answer. They struggle to recall information that has been covered many times in class, but they can’t. Standardized tests are used in classrooms all throughout†¦show more content†¦1). To support this claim he further states, â€Å"Research and experience show that standardized tests are generally good at measuring students’ knowledge, skills, and understanding because they are objective, fair, efficient, and comprehensive† (Par. 3). On the contrary, Harris, Harris, and Smith state that â€Å"Achievement is more than test scores but also includes class participation, students’ course-taking patterns, and teachers’ professional development patterns† (Par. 6) They also believe student achievement involves more than scores on standardized tests. In fact, these three authors see the usage of test scores to measure student achievement as a â€Å"Dangerous Illusion† (Par. 3). To support this claim the three authors list a variety of concepts which cannot be measured with standardized tests, such as creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, motivation, reliability, self-discipline, and leadership (Par. 8). They also explain how all of these qualities are considered valuable by our society (Par. 9). Walberg fires back by saying, â€Å"Responsible test-makers, . . . do not purport to cover all the material students are expected to learn† (Par. 14). He compares standardized tests to national surveys, in which a small number of the total population is interviewed to represent a societies values as a whole (Par. 14). To illustrate his point, Walberg uses the analogy of a â€Å"Three-Legged Stool.† The stool’s legsShow MoreRelatedStandardized Testing1272 Words   |  6 PagesSynthesis Essay on Standardized Testing Standardized testing in the United States started in the mid- 1800’s (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). This kind of testing was originally created to measure students’ performance and progress in school (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). In recent years, the public school system has relied heavily on the information this test provides, in doing so creating controversy. Other than being a student myself, and participating in multiple standardized exams such asRead MoreStandardized Testing Influece on Education1302 Words   |  5 PagesStandardized Testing: A standardized test refers simply to any test that is being given in the same manner to all test takers. This same manner implies same questions, same timing, and same conditions of testing. The history of standardized testing dates for more than 14 centuries now. First standardized tests are claimed to be used for imperial examinations in China around the 7th century. However, It’s not until the 19th century that this testing methodology was first introduced to Europe and thenRead MoreStandardized Testing: For Better or For Worse?1334 Words   |  6 PagesStandardized Testing: For Better or For Worse? Almost everyone in the U.S. recognizes that standardized testing is a central part of the education system in our country. What many people don’t know though is the history of where it came from. 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Such tests are important indicators of student achievement and aptitude. However, some standardized test scores have been misused as a manner in which to track students, allocate school funds, and even determine teacher pay. Standardized tests, when used appropriately and for the right reasons, can adequately determine a students present level of strengths and weaknesses and hisRead MoreStandardized Testing Should Not Be Banned Essay1585 Words   |  7 PagesStandardized testing has been used in the United States for years while its role in education has expanded by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Standardized testing was created to promote equality within the education system; to treat and teach all students the same. The use of this test was also meant to measure the students progress in math and reading, as well as to determine a student promotion to the next grade; but at what cost? Pr eparation for standardized tests is almost twenty-four-sevenRead MoreStandardized Testing Was Originallycreated In China And972 Words   |  4 Pages Standardized testing was originally created in China and from there it grew, in 1905 Alfred Binet had developed the IQ test and by the time World War One standardized testing was standard practice (Fletcher). The SAT and ACT are the most common standardized test today, while a lot of college bound students take the ACT and SATs to show how smart they are and how well they will do in college theses test are not the best way to determine a student s potential, â€Å"these test have also been shown thatRead MoreSmarter Ways And Test Our Potential Youths Essay1587 Words   |  7 PagesPotential Youths Standardized testing has been used in the United States for years while its role in education has expanded by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Standardized testing was created to promote equality within the education system; to treat and teach all student the same. The use of this test was also meant to measure the students’ progress in math and reading, as well as to determine a student promotion to the next grade; but at what cost? Preparation for standardized tests is almostRead More The Negative Impact of High Stakes Standardized Testing1191 Words   |  5 PagesStandardized testing is not a new concept; it has been in use since the mid to late 1990’s. However the â€Å"high stakes† focus on standardized testing is. The practices that accompany standardized testing have long been in debate. Those in favor of standardized testing will argue that the testing creates a system that increases grades and accountability among teachers, students and school dis tricts across the country. On the other hand those that oppose standardized testing will argue the ill effectsRead MoreStandardized Testing Is The Best Answer For Students985 Words   |  4 Pages Standardized testing in the United States education system went from a onetime only test called Compass test and has become a once a year maybe more test called the MEAP. There is much debate as to whether this frequency of testing is the best answer for students. This reoccurring testing can teach students valuable skills that would benefit the students later in life. People worry that every child is not the same and some test better than others, while others claim test taking is a skill