Standardized Testing
Every student in America has to take standardized tests. We have to take tests such as the PSSA, the Keystone Exams, and the ACT. I believe that we shouldn't have to take these tests. The first reason I think we shouldn't have to take these tests is that these tests do not improve the students performance. Second, standardized tests are unfair to ELL learners. Lastly, time that could be used to used to teach is wasted for test preparation.
These tests do not improve students performance. For the past decade, ever since the No Children Left Behind Act was passed in 2002, we slipped from 18th place internationally in the world in math to 31st in 2009 for the Program for International Student Assessment. There were similar results for the science too. In May of 2011, the National Research Council found that no test-based incentive programs are working either.
In order for students to understand what they are supposed to do for a test, they have to know English right ? In America, there are 4.7 million ELL learners. These tests are not made to meet the special needs of a ELL student so the tests are harder and more of a challenge to these people, so it sucks that they must pass the test just to pass.
We spend so much time for test preparation instead of learning. We go to school to learn right ? So much of the time we spend everyday in the classroom until May being taught about how to take a test rather then just learning. Also, there's less motivation for school when we're being taught on how to take a test rather then just purely learning.
These tests do not improve students performance. For the past decade, ever since the No Children Left Behind Act was passed in 2002, we slipped from 18th place internationally in the world in math to 31st in 2009 for the Program for International Student Assessment. There were similar results for the science too. In May of 2011, the National Research Council found that no test-based incentive programs are working either.
In order for students to understand what they are supposed to do for a test, they have to know English right ? In America, there are 4.7 million ELL learners. These tests are not made to meet the special needs of a ELL student so the tests are harder and more of a challenge to these people, so it sucks that they must pass the test just to pass.
We spend so much time for test preparation instead of learning. We go to school to learn right ? So much of the time we spend everyday in the classroom until May being taught about how to take a test rather then just learning. Also, there's less motivation for school when we're being taught on how to take a test rather then just purely learning.
Kieu this is a first-rate response! You make very valid arguments supported by evidence that you are citing correctly! I am very excited by the quality of your work.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your stance, especially the fact that the test preparation takes away time that you can spend on more rich and in-depth projects that allow you to learn on a different level.
Also your consideration of ESOL students, backed by statistics is an excellent point. Thank you for your thoughtful response!