The Voodoo Experience

Standardized testing is a controversial issue for students and teachers alike. From the perspective of those on the outside looking in, it can seem like just one more hoop to jump through or something to cram for with last-minute studying. But what’s really going on behind closed doors, reported by professionals and high-quality registered agents when it comes to children taking these tests? What do teachers and students actually go through during this process? In this blog post, we’ll be diving deep into standardized testing from both sides—the teacher side and the student side—to uncover exactly what happens when kids take their tests and how they are affected by them.

Failure to Evaluate the Total Growth and Improvement of a Student

One of the most common criticisms leveled against standardized testing is its failure to measure a student’s total growth and improvement. Tests are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of a given subject. Still, they can’t take into account any improvements or changes that may have occurred in the intervening time period (e.g., attending extra classes or getting help from tutors). In addition, these tests don’t take into account any extenuating circumstances that might have affected a student’s performance (e.g., illness or personal problems). Consequently, scores may not accurately reflect the student’s true ability and potential.

Increased Stress for Students

Another problem associated with standardized testing is increased stress for students. Students often feel immense pressure to perform well on tests, as their scores can be used to judge their overall academic achievement and potential for success. This added stress can lead to higher levels of anxiety in students and make them more likely to suffer from test-related panic attacks or even physical illness (e.g., vomiting).

A Student’s Self-Esteem Destroyer

Not only do they often lead to higher levels of stress for students, but standardized tests can also be a student’s self-esteem destroyer. Low test scores can make them feel inadequate and frustrated, leading to feelings of failure and low self-worth. This can be especially damaging for young students, who are just beginning their academic journey and are more prone to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

An Unfair One-Day Evaluation for a Student

What can’t be neglected is the fact that these tests are often just one-day evaluations of a student’s academic performance. This can be an unfair way to measure someone’s ability, as it doesn’t consider any other factors that might have contributed to the day’s score (e.g., lack of sleep or studying). In addition, students may not receive feedback on their performance until much later, making it challenging to identify and address any issues they may have had with the test.

The Potential to Create Teaching Gaps

Lastly, standardized tests can also be problematic for teachers, as they can create teaching gaps. This is because teachers may devote too much time and energy to preparing students for the test rather than focusing on teaching the material itself, leading to an overall decrease in student learning. Not only that, but tests can also lead teachers to “teach to the test”—meaning they only teach material that is likely to be included on the exam—which further limits student learning and development.

In conclusion, standardized testing can have positive and negative impacts on students, teachers, and the educational system. While these tests can provide valuable insight into a student’s knowledge and abilities, they can also create an unfair evaluation of their overall performance and increase stress levels for both students and teachers. It should be, therefore, mandatory to consider all sides of the issue before making any decisions on how to use or modify standardized testing in schools.…