The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing

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If my future were determined just by my performance on a standardized test, I wouldn't be here. I guarantee you that. First Lady, Michelle Obama, says this about standardized tests. These tests are highly inaccurate due to the fact that they do not test problem solving or creativity. Standardized tests are geared toward one type of child. You cannot fully know a child’s potential by simply reviewing their test score. Problem solving is a key ability if one wants to succeed in life. There will be times when the answer isn’t clear but honed problem solving skills can pave the way. A standardized test has no way of grading this talent and therefore cannot fully evaluate the test taker. The ACT is a timed test in which the participant has 75 questions to answer in only a 45 minute time period (ACT). That means the student has just 36 seconds to answer every question. Many students that have not acquired adequate test taking skills will not be able to answer each question to their fullest potential and their score will suffer. A test’s purpose is to evaluate the taker’s knowledge of the …show more content…
Some people understand curriculum better if a teacher lectures about it then assigns homework. Others prefer to watch a demonstrative video first then ask a teacher questions once they understand the concept. Whichever way a person learns, a standardized test will never meet the needs of every individual. Of course a test cannot be altered to suit every student that takes it, but a standardized test is certainly not the most suitable option. “The national teachers unions and other traditionally Democratic groups are on board with the idea too.” This quote from npr.org about the reduction of stadardized tests on the federal and legions of state level display the teachers support of this change. A teacher is more qualified to decided what form of assessment should be used to score children than a government employee who has zero teaching