The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing

Are Standardized Tests Necessary? Students quietly took their seats in the large desk-packed room and neatly aligned their number-two pencils on their desks. Nervousness filled the students’ minds as their hands grew sweaty and their hearts began to race. Questions began to storm around their minds: “What if I do not finish my essay in time? What if I do not understand a vocab question?” The proctor starts the timer right as the final deadliest question penetrates every student’s mind: “What if I fail? ” After all, this was the test that would determine their future. If they fall short of their ideal score, they will be repeating the school year or will not be accepted into their dream college. The ramifications differ for each test. With such high stakes in one standardized test, is it fair to put such immense pressure on high school students? The question is not how to reduce stress and fear of the students, but rather how to improve their confidence to perform well on these standardized tests . “High-stakes” standardized testing is necessary to
The NCLB actually recognizes subgroups of disadvantaged students who may perform poorly and supports failing schools by the School Improvement Fund (“No Child Left Behind”). Therefore, teachers must include concepts tested on standardized tests in their curriculum, while being sensitive to disadvantaged students who need extra help. Tutors, specifically higher achieving students in the school or community, can also motivate struggling students by assisting them on a 1:1 basis. Students may understand concepts better from a peer who uses similar vocabulary and examples. With teachers thoroughly covering materials on standardized tests and tutors providing support, students can achieve good