Standardized Testing Pros And Cons Essay

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Combs 5 getting an education is no longer enjoyable. Furthermore, crime charges have occurred in several states due to trying to break in and receive test booklets and answer keys to prepare for a standardized test. There is a point when testing becomes too much for one to bare and it causes outrageous actions by others. Additionally, many test administrators have also been found guilty of allowing students to cheat, or even giving them some answers to the test. This is another direct result of so much pressure being built up for a single test (Layton). Without some changes to this system the crimes will only get worse. Cheating on a test isn’t beneficial for anyone involved and only creates more problems in the long run.
Moreover, there are two different ways to avoid standardized testing and still be able to evaluate students and teachers. For example, doing a student portfolio throughout the year would allow the school system to keep a record of the progress of each individual in every subject. “Schools around the country are incorporating direct demonstrations of student learning into their assessment
“Scotland maintains accountability through a system of government inspections that has been in place in the U.K. since 1833. Inspectors observe lessons, look at student work and interview both students and staff members” (Kamenetz). This is the most effective way to keep track of everyone’s progress and not disturb the learning process. Overall, these alternatives would decrease the amount of stress in schools, measure knowledge more accurately, allow a better way to evaluate teachers, and even reduce the amount of cheating in the school system. Standardized testing is an extremely controversial topic, but the negatives definitely outweigh the positives and some alternative needs to be picked before it gets worse. While both solutions sound extremely helpful, the one that seems to be the most beneficial is definitely using

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