Standardized Testing: Improving The Way Of Adolescent Knowledge

The Standard for Education

Standardized testing has completely altered the way that adolescent knowledge is evaluated in our society. In relation to its title, a standardized test is an exam that is consistent or "standard" when it is administered and scored. These tests are designed so that interpretations, scoring procedures, and questions are universal and consistent when administered. A test is considered standardized when the same exam is distributed throughout a particular group. On the contrary, a non-standardized test is when a distinctive exam is administered between different test takers or when an identical exam is administered under different conditions. Evaluations may also be inconsistent in the situation of
In the United States, standardized tests were first used in immigration around the mid-19th century to test social roles and status when people first came over. The growth in immigration patterns around that time contributed to the popularity and increase in the use of standardized tests. In an effort to narrow the educational gap between minority and non-minority students, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 held educators and teachers in the United States accountable in improving the education system. Testing results of students were used to dispense appropriate resources and funds to schools. “One of the main advantages of standardized testing is that the results can be empirically documented; therefore, the test scores can be shown to have a relative degree of validity and reliability, as well as results which are generalizable and replicable” (Kuncel, Hezlett 1080). In addition, standardized testing is useful in providing educators with proficiency levels of student knowledge and achievement all while being in a fair setting. There is no bias when a computer is grading an exam when compared to the possibility of a teacher’s influence at the time of grading. Parents argue that some teachers grade exams solely based on their perception of the student’s skills and biases towards the student. Scoring automation also seems to be a cost effective and time efficient alternative to traditional grading
The purpose of standardized testing in younger children is to evaluate their development and point out any progression delays. These tests for younger children include screening tests, language tests, and diagnostic tests. A screening test is used to identify any growth and developmental problems or if a persisting problem requires any further analysis. Language tests are used to determine if a child requires participation in a language enrichment program. Usually a language test is only given to children who are deemed at-risk. In addition, a diagnostic test is designed to evaluate if a child has developmental problems that relate to learning disabilities. Overall, these tests help provide early implementation of treatment which therefore lead to improved outcomes. According to medical author Melissa Stoppler, “Studies have shown that children who receive early intervention and treatment for developmental disorders are more likely to graduate from high school, to hold jobs as adults, and are less likely to commit criminal acts than those who do not receive early intervention” (Stoppler,