Standardized tests are something people either love or hate (mostly hate). Their purpose is to estimate a child’s intelligence and how much they know in a certain subject.
In elementary and middle school, tests determined if a student were eligible for advanced placement. Even if a student were a point off from being in an AP class, they had to stay in an academic class. So, that raises the question: Is standardized testing accurate?
While, these tests can provide a snapshot of the tester’s ability to comprehend certain problems and subjects, they often fail to capture an accurate estimate of one’s intelligence.
These tests focus on limited subjects such as math, science, reading, and language arts, neglecting other aspects such as social studies, the arts, and practical skills. Believe it or not, many students excel in those forgotten areas and it’s disappointing that they don’t get the opportunity to show off their abilities.
Most educators fail to take a student’s mindset into consideration when it comes to tests. For example, a student may have all A-B letter grades in all of their classes and they receive a poor score on their standardized test. There are several different contributors for these results including: anxiety, mood, environment, and even learning disorders.
A disorder that is highly common is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it affects how the human brain develops. This makes it hard to pay attention, control impulses, and stay still. These symptoms make it highly difficult for students to stay focused during tests, affecting their scores.
So why do elementary/middle school standardized tests matter to high school students? While, when students create their schedules for high school, they can choose what classes they take. Either honors or academic. But, when it comes to mathematics, they can’t choose.
Math is a step by step process. Students have to take pre-algebra to get into algebra and algebra one to get into geometry. Educators determine if a student can get into higher-level classes through their standardized test scores. A student may have an A+ in their math class and excel in every assignment, while they get a bad score on their standardized test for math. this is plainly an unfair situation because the test determines if they can go into higher classes.
A student may be highly intelligent in class, while actively learning. But, when it comes to standardized tests, this gift is manipulated. Therefore, their opportunity to be in higher-level classes is ruined.
In conclusion, standardized testing is not accurate for several reasons. Teachers are the ones teaching the students and they are a very reliable source in determining a students ability to excel in their subject. Therefore, students’ intellectual capacity/abilities should be determined by their grades and a teacher’s opinion.
