Arguments Against Standardized Testing

Is standardized testing the best way to measure student learning growth? Every year, millions of students take these statewide tests. But in reality, it is doing more harm than good. There are many reasons why standardized testing should be abolished. One reason Standardized testing should be abolished is because it is extremely expensive. This is because each student gets charged for the test that they take, but the state pays for the test. Studies show over $1.7 billion is spent in each state every year on standardized testing.This evidence shows that states are spending almost $2 billion on tests that most students are not interested in. This isn't great because that money could be going to different art departments, drama departments, music …show more content…
Therefore, the price of standardized testing is a lot for something that does not offer much benefit. Standardized testing negatively impacts the mental health of kids and teens. This is because some kids react differently to the thought of having testing. For instance “Heightened test anxiety may affect 20 percent of school-aged children and 18 percent may experience milder forms of it,” says Lauren Suval. This evidence shows that all the tests that students are taking are hurting their mental health while their brains are still developing. This is why standardized testing is hurting children's mental health, and how not everyone will perform the same. Standardized testing does not accurately measure student learning growth. This may be because of things going on outside of school. According to ProCon.org “Standardized test scores are easily influenced by outside factors: stress, hunger, tiredness, and prior teacher or parent comments about the difficulty of the test, among other factors.” This evidence shows that the testing is inaccurate because of the way children's brains work and how life is outside of

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