High Stakes Testing Essay

Claim: High stakes test taking absolutely perpetuates the inequality in our public school system. These tests are created far withdrawn from the actual students they test, and rely heavily on mainstream curriculum. The test results, which normally favor wealthier schools, perpetuate the cycle of inequality, by rewarding these schools.

Evidence: These tests were designed to even the playing field among students and hold people accountable by the same standards. However, you cannot hold students to the same standards, when they do not receive the same education. These tests are unfair in so many ways, and are leaving children behind.
• These tests are created by people far removed from the actual students, and are often used to meet a political agenda. “Political motivations and the exercise of political power by those in positions of authority, rather than sound educational reasons, have driven the nation’s use of standardized tests in schools.” (Sacks, 70)
• The tests are based almost entirely on mainstream curriculum. “A curriculum that focuses on the experiences of mainstream Americans and largely ignores the experiences, cultures, and histories of other ethnic, racial, cultural, language, and religious groups has negative
Taking results from one day and using that to judge a student’s past successes and future is ludicrous. While these tests are intended to close the achievement gap, they are not taking important information into consideration. These tests do not consider the lack of resources students have both at school and at home. They do consider students for whom English is their second language. Some of these children have parents who are not involved, for lack of concern, lack of education, or just a lack of time. Education is vital in getting ahead in the world and trying to escape your current situation, and we are taking this chance away from the students that need it