Should High School Students Pass Standardized Testing?

Across the United States there is a boundless debate on whether high school seniors should be required to pass standardized testing in order to earn a high school diploma and move on to higher education. There is no shortage of problems that arise with standardized testing. Lack of funding and resources cannot provide students with all of the help they need to pass these tests. Most teachers also have a strong opinion on the subject. Some teachers feel pressure to “teach the test”. Standardized tests also do not teach students skills that can be applied in the modern workplace. By not placing so much pressure on passing standardized tests students will focus more in the class room while also preparing them for college.Standardized tests are
After No Child Left act the US slipped from 18th in world in math to 31st in 2009, with the same decline in science. The National Research Council reports found no evidence that these test­based incentive programs are working: "Despite using those for several decades, policymakers and educators do not yet know how to use test­based incentives to consistently generate positive effects on achievement and to improve education." (Pro con). For instance a student’s standardized test score does not average into the overall grade that the student has earned in the class room all year. However if a student does not meet the requirements for the test the student will not be allowed to graduate high school until they pass the test no matter what grade they earned in the actual class. (Mccorry). These test also do not test knowledge that is applicable in the modern workplace (Mccorry). Many teachers stance on this issue is that if standardized testing was taken away they would be able to teach more openly and not just solely “teach the test” therefore creating a better learning