The education system today, in 2016, presents itself to be a great issue. I made that statement for a variety of reasons, but I would like to focus specifically on one main reason: standardized testing and it's prominent role in education.

The issue with standardized testing isn't the testing itself, but it is the way in which such tests are used in regards to one'a education. Nowadays, school systems are relying heavily on standardized testing as a means of measuring students' intellectual capacities.

I deem this method of schooling to be very ineffective. When such tests are administered, it limits the educational capacity of students, and subjects them to reach to a level of "standard". This "standard" emphasizes testing ability rather than actual intellectual capabilities.

Why go to school, if all that you learn is for the purpose of getting tested and passing an exam? Why not go to school, and yearn to learn for the love of education and for the love of deepening educational capacities.

Personally, I do not support the prominent role that standardized tests play in the educational system today. It is not right that we expect and hold students up to a universal standard of "intelligence".

Every student is different: each one learns differently, excels in different avenues, and values educational differently.

Why continue to limit students' academic abilities to just testing. Why not limit the pressure of testing and doing well. Why not encourage students to learn for the benefit of learning? Isn't that what learning is supposed to be about? About learning for the love and appreciation of education?

Education today is just all about numbers and scores, rather than working to enrich one's mental capacities through schooling. Frankly, I think that this form of schooling is unfair and does students a great disservice. I think that we need to work to make education more of a "education-friendly" zone through newfound focus on not just basic structural courses, but on ways that will shape these students into human beings of our future societies.