Cons of Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is commonly known for its uniform method of evaluating student performance. However, while these tests may have been designed with good intentions, standardized testing can ultimately do more harm than good. One of the biggest things I dislike about standardized testing is the fact that to prepare students for these tests, teachers have to "teach the test" (McMillan, 2008, p. 5). Given that teachers can be limited in how they teach the curriculum, it reduces the chances of making a fun and engaging environment for students to learn in (which is necessary in Science classes because this subject is not as exciting as other subjects to some students). This reduction in flexibility and creativity ultimately produces an overwhelming amount of pressure for not only students but teachers as well (ProCon.org, 2018). Teachers have to worry about how their evaluation may be impacted if their students do not perform well while not doing well on a standardized test in high school can stand in between a student and graduation.
Another thing that makes me dislike standardized testing is the amount of money that is devoted to running them every year. Knowing that nine million dollars is spent annually, is saddening because there are countless things that money could be better used for to promote in academic achievement(ProCon.org, 2018). For instance, at the end of Residency last weekend, we were shown a hydrofarm that utilized fairly inexpensive supplies in order to support plant life without the use of soil. In our small groups, we were able to determine a bunch of ways this service learning project could kill two birds with one stone. Students get the satisfaction of supporting the community and gaining community service hours while also learning concepts in the curriculum at the same time.
In my opinion, there needs to be teachers that actively teach in the school system to attend the meetings where the standards are sets annually for the curriculum. I think a partnership like this would help take some of the stress off of teachers which will eventually trickle down to the students. This in turn will promote a more positive environment where students are more open to learning.
References:
Another thing that makes me dislike standardized testing is the amount of money that is devoted to running them every year. Knowing that nine million dollars is spent annually, is saddening because there are countless things that money could be better used for to promote in academic achievement(ProCon.org, 2018). For instance, at the end of Residency last weekend, we were shown a hydrofarm that utilized fairly inexpensive supplies in order to support plant life without the use of soil. In our small groups, we were able to determine a bunch of ways this service learning project could kill two birds with one stone. Students get the satisfaction of supporting the community and gaining community service hours while also learning concepts in the curriculum at the same time.
In my opinion, there needs to be teachers that actively teach in the school system to attend the meetings where the standards are sets annually for the curriculum. I think a partnership like this would help take some of the stress off of teachers which will eventually trickle down to the students. This in turn will promote a more positive environment where students are more open to learning.
References:
McMillan, J. (2008). Assessment Essentials for Standards-Based
Education. (2nd ed.) Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
ProCon.org. (2018). Is
the Use of Standardized Tests Improving Education in America? Retrieved from: https://standardizedtests.procon.org/
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