Keystone Testing Benefits

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Imagine, there are three hours to take a test. If one passes it, they go on to enjoy their future and pursue their dreams. If one were to fail this test, that dream comes to a halt. That sure is an abundance of pressure, right? Is it fair to put that much at stake over one test? Well, many states think that it is; that its beneficial. Pennsylvania, as well as ten other states have approved final exams as a requirement for graduation (“PA.Votes Final-Exam…”), but that’s not all. Pennsylvania has recently added a new test to the graduation requirement: the Keystone Exam. Currently there are three keystones in place, but there are plans to add more to the list. These tests have stirred up major controversy in the world of education with people …show more content…

Going into a test knowing if you don’t do well you may not graduate is scary. Many students get anxious when taking these tests because their future may depend on it. Protesters of the exam believe that the tests have the potential to create more dropouts, cause school districts to go bankrupt, and shift the educational control from local districts to the state (“Senate Committee Weighs…”). By putting this pressure on the students, we may cause unintentional harm to many children and school districts. The stress that the Keystones are causing is a lot to add to students that are already trying to balance school, homework, extracurriculars, and other things. Jeff Taylor, assistant superintendent of curriculum in the North Hills School District, believes that students are "over-tested," already (Daniels). Students are tested endlessly whether it’s for a class, the SAT, or even to get their license. Adding a test that may affect a child’s ability to graduate is unnecessary pressure. Some may argue that this exam is making sure a student’s diploma had meaning (“Pennsylvania on Track…”). This is not the case. A students academic success should not be based on a few tests (“Pennsylvania on Track…”). Students face enough pressure in high school as it is, let alone having to worry about passing even more tests to get the diploma. For example, in the biology class you got many tests and chances to show your knowledge. The Keystone exam for biology is one test, and if you don't pass it, you may not be able to graduate. By adding this extra pressure to students, Keystones are causing more of a disturbance than anything beneficiary. Students should be able to focus on their studies and strive to learn something new everyday, not worry about the Keystone that is hanging over their head on top of the other tests they have throughout the school

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