Standardized Testing Argumentative Essay
Standardized Tests Standardized tests are a heated debate in the country as of today. Many people believe that standardized tests do not truly show a student’s knowledge. Students are more focused on passing a test instead of actually learning the content. Not only do these tests hinder students, they also affect teachers as well. Standardized tests may seem good in theory, but in fact, they may be doing more harm than good.
The Importance of Standardized Tests To begin with, this whole phenomenon started in 2002 when the No Child Left Behind act was passed (Greatschools, 2014). This act states that schools must “test students annually in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and at least once in grades 10 through 12. Students must also be tested in science in at least one grade in elementary, middle and high …show more content…
These standardized tests are also very stressful to the school because if their students do not meet their annual yearly progress (AYP), the school could face federal sanctions such as loss of funds, free tutoring, or total reconstruction of the school (Greatschools, 2014). While these tests give a perspective of where a student is at in their learning, it does not fully assess a student. Test scores are grouped together, so you cannot see an individual’s scores. If you do not know an individual’s scores, how will you know if they are making adequate progress? With the emphasis on standardized tests, it raises the probability of cheating or “teaching to the test” (Greatschools, 2014). The American Biology Teacher assesses standardized tests in California. He notes that the standardized tests are only used to evaluate the schools and not the students. If the students are not going to be graded on these tests, then why should they be motivated to try their best? (Stansfield, 2011, p. 392) Are standardized tests really that important? The Phi Delta Kappan magazine states that
The Importance of Standardized Tests To begin with, this whole phenomenon started in 2002 when the No Child Left Behind act was passed (Greatschools, 2014). This act states that schools must “test students annually in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and at least once in grades 10 through 12. Students must also be tested in science in at least one grade in elementary, middle and high …show more content…
These standardized tests are also very stressful to the school because if their students do not meet their annual yearly progress (AYP), the school could face federal sanctions such as loss of funds, free tutoring, or total reconstruction of the school (Greatschools, 2014). While these tests give a perspective of where a student is at in their learning, it does not fully assess a student. Test scores are grouped together, so you cannot see an individual’s scores. If you do not know an individual’s scores, how will you know if they are making adequate progress? With the emphasis on standardized tests, it raises the probability of cheating or “teaching to the test” (Greatschools, 2014). The American Biology Teacher assesses standardized tests in California. He notes that the standardized tests are only used to evaluate the schools and not the students. If the students are not going to be graded on these tests, then why should they be motivated to try their best? (Stansfield, 2011, p. 392) Are standardized tests really that important? The Phi Delta Kappan magazine states that