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Alyssa Montoya

DeSarro

Argument essay #1

3/22/19

Should we ditch the test?

Standardized testing is a way for schools and school districts to compare the

performance of students and improve the quality of teaching and learning. In the U.S many

students are not able to graduate due to failing standardized test scores, standardized testing

should not determine the graduation status of students because it can negatively impact

students’ confidence, puts more pressure on teachers, and does not provide an accurate

measurement of students’ abilities. A nine year study by the National Research Council

deduced that the emphasis schools and school districts place on standardized testing generated

that they have had little effect on learning progress and on the contrary have caused substantial

harm (How standardized testing). Although it may measure a student’s knowledge on a specific

subject, it does not accurately measure a student’s overall knowledge and may hinder a student

from being able to graduate. (Nixon)

First, standardized testing should not determine whether or not a student graduates

because it can negatively impact a student’s confidence. Many people interpret a student’s

standardized test score as a sole judgement of their ability, However the score a student

receives is only one point of data that determines students’ learning progress. There are many

occasions where a student demonstrates a clear understanding of a subject, but is not as skilled

at taking assessments as other students which results in a lower or failing standardized test

score. It can be very discouraging for a student to fail or get a low score on a standardized test
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because it is a graduation requirement in most states. Many students base their success on a

standardized test that is only taken once a year. (Nixon)

Also, standardized testing should not determine whether or not a student graduates

because it puts more pressure on teachers. Standardized tests have a major impact on teaching

and learning within a school district. A majority of educators focus on teaching for the test rather

than trying new techniques and teaching methods because they feel that their job depends on

how students perform on their standardized tests. As a result of teachers teaching students

what is required for the test, it takes away the engagement and creativity in student learning.

Teachers are constantly pressured to ensure that test scores continue to rise. If students are not

being taught to accommodate their learning style it may negatively affect their standardized test

scores thus affecting their graduation status. All of which put pressure on educators to make

sure students are getting the education necessary to pass standardized tests and graduate on

time. (Nixon)

Finally, Standardized testing should not determine whether or not a student graduates

because it does not provide an accurate interpretation of students’ ability. Many people wrongly

assume that standardized testing scores provide an accurate assessment of students’

intellectual abilities. There are many factors that could contribute to a student’s poor test

performance including cultural factors, test anxiety, illness and unfamiliarity with testing methods

(How standardized testing). A low score does not always indicate the lack of knowledge about a

subject, but rather a problem with taking the test itself. Researchers have discovered that high

standardized test scores have little to do with memory, attention or the speed in which students

process information. In fact, high test scores could simply mean that a student excels in test

taking and rote memorization. A 2001 study published by the Brookings Institution found that

50%-80% of test score improvements were temporary and had nothing to do with long-term
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changes in learning, but were rather caused by fluctuations proving that standardized tests are

not reliable when determining students’ performance or ability (Background of the issue). This

affects students’ graduation status because those students who experience difficulties with test

taking are at a disadvantage when it comes to passing standardized tests and as a result may

not be able to graduate. (Nixon)

It is true that standardized assessments can be beneficial when they are used as a tool

to help schools improve the content and quality of teaching and learning. However, they

become detrimental when they use scores to judge a student’s overall academic ability. While I

concede that standardized testing may have a positive impact on student achievement, on the

other hand, for those that have trouble taking tests for various reasons, it may negatively impact

a student’s confidence and discourage them. (Ayres)

All things considered, standardized tests should not determine whether or not a student

is able to graduate because it can negatively impact students’ confidence, it puts more pressure

on teachers to “teach to the test” and it does not accurately showcase students’ true academic

abilities (Nixon). The graduation status of students should not be determined by whether or not

they pass standardized tests but rather their overall academic achievements.
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Works Cited

Ayres, Crystal. “​12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Standardized Testing.”​ ​Vittana.org,​

https://vittana.org/12-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-standardized-testing​.

“​Background of the Issue.​” ​ProConorg Headlines​, 2018,

https://standardizedtests.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=006521​.

“​How Standardized Testing Damages Education (Updated July 2012).”​ F

​ airTest,​ 28 Aug. 2007,

https://fairtest.org/how-standardized-testing-damages-education-pdf​.

Nixon, Bryan. “​The Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing.​” ​Whitby School​,

www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/the-pros-and-cons-of-standardized-testing​.