Argumentative Essay: The Use Of Standardized Testing In Schools

Standardized testing is used in most schools and institutions. These are tests that are all identical in testing of the subject matter, and all administered and recorded in a consistent method. Standardized tests usually have multiple-choice, or true or false questions, and testers are given a certain amount of time to answer all the problems. Standardized testing is usually used to compare the performance of students in a relative manner. Many people consider standardized testing as a fair way of grading a student, since computerized scoring removes any kind of possible bias. Millions are spent on these tests, such as the ACT and SAT, every year since these need to be taken in order for admission into most higher education institutions. Although

most schools make students take standardized tests, it does not measure the knowledge of a student.
People assume that standardized testing is a good way of comparing the performance levels of various students from different schools and locations. Without standardized testing, this would not be possible. What people often don’t know is that standardized testing is an unreliable way of measuring the performance of a student.
One reasons that shows why standardized testing is not a reliable way of measuring performance is because taking standardized tests evaluate the student’s proficiency only during the time of the test. Students only prepare for these exams when the test day is nearing and looming over their heads like a cloud. Standardized testing also only shows the performance of a student during that day, and not their overall development during the course of the school year.
Standardized testing should be revoked because it pressures mentors. After taking standardized exams, scores are published and schools are ranked from the best performing to the worst performing. Due to standardized testing, teachers often end up “teaching to the test” due to fear of losing their jobs. The test results are often used to evaluate their effectiveness as an educator. Since they are too busy preparing their students for these standardized tests, they use so much of their time teaching the topics that will be shown in the tests, that they forget and neglect to teach students life lessons that go beyond the classroom walls.
Another reason why standardized testing should be optional is because it creates a grade conscious mindset.

Although a bit of competition is considered healthy, too much of it can be dangerous. Standardized testing increases rates on cheating amongst students, until they get caught, since all of them answer the same set of questions. Test anxiety, which is a psychological condition where individuals experience extreme distress can cause mind block in learning and hurt test performance. This is very common amongst students who take standardized tests. Also, when students receive low scores, they feel demotivated and discouraged to try harder because their scores are being compared to other students, and they are all being ranked against each other.

Although standardized testing is commonly used in most schools and educational intuitions nowadays, it does not measure a student’s intelligence. As such, standardized testing should be revoked because, not only is it an unreliable way of measuring a student’s performance, it also pressures educators and creates a grade conscious mindset. Schools should focus more on the development of students, rather than ranking them based on the grades they receive on a test. Not only are standardized tests an undependable way of grading, but also, it does not promote life skills the student will need when growing

up.