Schools use standardized testing as an extremely effective way of determining how people can perform important tasks. The scores are then used to determine our level of competency in certain areas, which is frankly quite useful. How else are we to know that someone can read or do math? Simply asking them to demonstrate their skill in a non-stressful environment would simply not work.
These scores reflect how successful a person can become in their future, as all things taught in schools will be absolutely necessary for every career path.
If these required scores are not met, the unfortunate test-taker, in the opinion of the state, will probably become a criminal or a worthless nobody who lives on the system, because every measure of success in life is due to the ability to perform mundane tasks in the form of standardized testing.
Because of the absolute necessity and usefulness of mindless standardized testing, I propose that we use standardized testing in all areas, for all subjects in life, because of its effectiveness in showing the knowledge and skill of the test-taker. Three areas of daily life that would be greatly improved through the implementation of standardized testing are tying your shoes, crossing the street and brushing your teeth.
Think of the shame that must come with never being able to know if you can tie your shoes properly. Through the use of standardized testing, it will be clear if the test taker will be responsible enough and skilled enough to be allowed by the government to wear shoes with laces. It is clear that a standardized test is the only way to effectively prove one’s skill in the area of shoe tying.
The test for tying one’s shoes would involve a task analyzing if the citizen knows the vocabulary involved with the shoelace, such as the aglet, the woven tape inside the lace, etc. Then, there would be a skills test, in which the only acceptable way to tie would be making two loops and tying them together. No double knots. No fanciness to estrange others. All will have the same ability to tie shoes.
It doesn’t matter that we are “tested” on our ability to properly tie our shoes every time life requires us to, standardized testing is the only way to leave no doubt in the minds of our government that we are capable of performing these tasks, such as tying our shoes, and other simple things that we are taught at a young age.
Crossing the street is another skill we are taught when we're little that we may never know if we can do correctly without using standardized testing. This is an extremely important skill, as the failure to do so properly can result in death. It does not matter that there are painted lines and lights that tell the pedestrian when to walk, it is clear that, without the implementation of standardized testing, no one will be able to trust themselves to cross the street properly.
A standardized test for crossing the street would be similar to a driving test. There would be a written exam, covering the principles and vocabulary pertaining to crossing the street. Then, a skill test would assess one's ability to safely cross the street. However, to sufficiently test that skill, the test would have to include at least two hours of street-crossing. Imagine the fun of this standardized test! Two solid hours of crossing a street over and over again, to prove that you can meet the government’s specifications.
Standardized testing will prove (to both the test taker and the government) that you are able to cross the street properly. Without standardized testing, how can we ever be sure that crossing the street the way we do is safe or correct? Even if we’ve never been hit by a passing car, and we always look both ways, how can we know that our methods work to the required level of the government? We can’t, and that is why standardized testing for every area in our lives is so important, even in areas such as brushing our teeth.
Everyone either brushes his or her teeth or needs to. That is why it is important that the government knows whether or not we are capable of proper oral hygiene. The government needs this information to perform their duties to the fullest, and the use of standardized testing would not only benefit our government, but also benefit the community as a whole. Now we would be able to know each person’s level of competence in the field of oral hygiene.
For instance, if the person brushes side to side, or, heaven forbid, in circles, then they would instantly fail. Clearly, the only appropriate method of brushing your teeth is up and down, so this will immensely help the world’s hygiene problem. If everyone brushes their teeth the same way, then it is clear that the world’s problem will be fixed and the populous’ standard of living will improve. Standardized testing would greatly improve our communities and society and provide the government with important information.
Think of the difference that would be seen in the world if we could see the abilities of every person to do every task that life requires.The world would clearly be a better place if everyone knew that certain tasks were being performed to the standards of the state. It is clear that standardized testing is the only effective method to show prominence for any activity. My proposal would raise the standards of life by allowing individuals to demonstrate their ability to perform the mundane tasks life requires of them to the government's standards.
