Should Standardized Testing Be Required In Schools

Have you ever wanted to take a class that intrigued you, but couldn’t due to the packed schedule full of classes you’re not remotely interested in? I vividly remember feeling bored out of my mind as I sat there in the class, counting down the minutes and wondering when the bell would finally ring. In that moment, even the loud ticking of the clock seemed more interesting than the words that sputtered out of my teacher’s mouth. The educational system has been this way for quite a while now, requiring students to take specific classes because of how they’re meant to shape the youth into a proper, educated person of society. But do these classes really benefit our future, and contribute something to us rather than wasted time? Students in school

Throughout the nation, schools require and focus on specific classes, such as the core subjects. This curriculum is made up of courses involving subjects that have to do with English, math, science, and social studies—which are often the main focus of the mandatory standardized tests required nationwide. The system emphasizes how significant these standardized tests are, as shown in source C, where even Kindergarteners have to start preparing at such an early age. With an educational system full of mandatory classes and required curriculums, it’s hard to tell if these classes will even be of any use to these students later on in life. Whether it be English, math, social studies, or science, what will happen to all of this knowledge if the student chooses to follow a career path that doesn’t include any of the above? How will their knowledge of science contribute to what they have to learn in fashion school, or graphic design? As a student who doesn’t have a particular interest in science, it’s puzzling to me to ponder about how learning the periodic table of elements will somehow aid me in my dream of being a writer one day. If a student has more of a say in what classes they will be taking throughout the school year, the classes they choose and the knowledge they obtain will truly be more of use to them

When students are forced to take classes that they do not necessarily like, they often will not attempt to use up their time and effort on a subject that they have no interest in. With such a limited amount of classes that students are permitted to take per day, and many of them being mandatory classes that they do not want to take—this discourages them from focusing in those particular classes. As shown in Source B, the average high schooler has only eight classes per day, with half of their schedule being taken up by required core classes. Because those mandatory classes are of no use to them in the future, students will mostly disregard them and not try in those classes. With classes that are chosen from their own hand and interests that will capture their attention, students will not only try more to succeed in that class but will pay more attention as