Standardized testing is a way to track students’ academic achievement and progress on a broad scale. Most standardized tests consist of multiple choice questions and are used throughout a student’s education from elementary to grad school.
Pros and Cons
There are many advantages and disadvantages to standardized testing. Standardized testing became mandatory in all 50 states in the United States in 2002. The US held many worldwide rankings, which soon dropped as standardized testing became more common. For example in reading, the US was ranked 15th worldwide but then dropped to 24th. In math, the US was ranked 18th but then dropped to 40th. Opinions on standardized testing vary between people, but there are a variety of valid reasons to be for or against it.
Advantages
One advantage is that these tests give an objective understanding of a student’s strengths and weaknesses. Some teachers might have a biased opinion on certain students, so their grades might not be an accurate reflection of their work. Standardized tests give an accurate and objective perspective on students’ academic progress. Another advantage is that the tests encourage students to work hard and develop good study habits which could be very useful for them in college. Students spend a great amount of time studying for standardized tests, and these study habits and practices will be very helpful for them in the future. Standardized tests are also fair tests where everyone is given a very similar test with very similar questions, and all students have an equal chance of getting a good score. Many schools unfortunately have different standards, biases, etc. For example, a certain grade at one school may not be the same at a different school.
Disadvantages
Despite the positives, standardized tests can have several negative effects as well. These tests put a lot of pressure on students to perform well because they can completely determine a student’s future. Students develop a lot of stress and anxiety while preparing for this test, and not performing well can ruin their future. The amount of pressure put on this 2-3 hour exam is insane and this one standardized test does not define a person’s ability for success. Another disadvantage is that students only learn enough to pass the test. If certain information isn’t on the test, students won’t learn it.. Standardized tests can also impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. The tests can’t effectively cater to all learning styles, and it does not quiz many other important life skills. In other words, it can’t indicate readiness for college or any next step in one’s future and career.
Standardized Testing in a Post-pandemic World
Standardized test scores had been improving gradually for 5 years straight, but then suddenly dropped during distance learning. Tests got suspended in the spring of 2020 and then became optional in 2021. Because standardized tests are optional for several schools, the number of students taking them greatly decreased. The overall decline in pass rates from 2019 was 12% in math and 6% in English language arts. Distance learning had a big impact on these changes because of low-quality teaching during virtual learning across the country.
tl;dr
Standardized testing has been a method to track the academic achievements of students throughout their career as a student. Standardizing tests offer unbiased opinions and is a simple way to interpret academic progress. Unfotunately, students are pressured to perform well on these tests and their self esteem can be negaitvely impacted. After the COVID-19 pandemic, standarized testing around the word has changed in ways.