John Oliver Standardized Testing

Words: 1264
Pages: 6

John Oliver’s video on standardized testing struck a chord with me, it reminded me of one my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein, it goes “everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid”. I definitely agree with Oliver’s perspective, especially his points about the undue stress these tests cause and their questionable efficacy. Reflecting on my own experience, I recall the immense pressure and anxiety leading up to standardized tests, which often felt like a measure of test-taking skills rather than actual learning. These tests often seemed less about assessing my knowledge and more about my ability to handle a specific type of exam. This focus on test-taking skills over true understanding …show more content…
Additionally, visual aids like graphs and infographics help convey the sheer volume of tests and the growth of companies like Pearson, making the information more digestible. These visuals break down complex information into easily understandable formats, ensuring that the audience can grasp the scale and impact of standardized testing. For instance, the graph showing the increase in the number of tests over time visually reinforces Oliver’s point about the overwhelming burden these tests place on students and teachers. Oliver includes testimonies from educators and students, adding authenticity and personal impact to his argument. The story of the school board member who failed a test despite his advanced degrees, and the poignant account of a student who excelled in class but was removed due to low test scores, highlight the system’s flaws on a human level. These personal stories make the consequences of standardized testing tangible and relatable, moving the discussion beyond abstract policy debates to real-world