Everyone has had some experience with standardized tests; SAT's, ACT's, NJASK, GEPA, HSPA, PRAXIS, GRE's, GMAT's, LSAT's and so many more. The real question is why are these tests considered a standard? Does everyone learn the same, does everyone test the same, can everyone afford the same types of preparation materials, can these tests accurately represent proficiency in a certain area? What are some of the things that are a direct result of these tests? College acceptances or denials, scholarships, placing out of other standardized tests, stress, anxiety, burn out, certifications, job preparedness, segregation, financial hardship, useless knowledge, some useful knowledge, improved testing strategies, issues with self confidence, self esteem issues, and time management skills. All of these are outcomes of standardized testing but are they really the best way to assess these skills?
Many of you may have heard the quote "Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." This quote is absolutely perfect because the monkey may be able to climb the tree easily, and the bird may get to the top by flying but not really climbing, while the fish is trapped in the water and can't climb the tree. This reflects perfectly on standardized testing because it is not an equal opportunity for everyone even if all those participating have had the exact same experiences.
I recently took my PRAXIS test which is the certification test for educators. The ironic thing that I saw about this is how in my education classes we discuss how standardized tests shouldn't be the sole focus because they emphasize a focus on rote memorization and testing skills. This does not actually assess understanding for any topic and yet in order to become a teacher you must take and pass a multi-part standardized test. I think everyone can agree that standardized testing can have some positive outcomes, but I still do not think they should be the standard.
My biggest fear as a future educator is that the school will make me focus too heavily on standardized testing and my students will not learn but instead will remember and then forget once they take the test. I truly aspire to be a camp director which luckily will not focus on standardized testing, but instead learning through experiences, which in my opinion is the best way to learn.
If you ever have the chance to change the world, please change the idea that standardized tests should be standard, to the idea that they should not be used as a standard. If educators truly get to know their students as they should, then a standardized test shouldn't be necessary. The teacher should be able to assess if the students truly comprehend the subjects and if not it is his or her job to find a better way to help the students learn the materials, instead of simply teaching to the test.
