Standardized Tests

As far as education, the United States is ranked as one of the lowest among developed countries. Since the mid 1800s, the American system has used a method known as standardized testing. This is an administered test that covers certain subjects and usually includes multiple choice and sometimes open-ended questions. The form of the test is always the same for all test takers. The United States copied this method from other countries that appeared to be doing better than them, like China, Finland, Singapore and others. America has constantly been competing to be at the top so they developed these tests to help with its countries’ intelligence level, yet they are still ranked at the bottom. The failure of the education system is due to the unsatisfactory teacher quality, the increase in poverty, and the compelling use of standardized tests. Instead of making improvements they’re diminishing the level of education. The government should not put such emphasis on these tests because they are limiting Americans. Standardized tests are part of the reason America is still at the bottom of the pyramid for education.

In 2001 the No Child Left Behind Act was passed by President Bush and congress, enforcing standardized tests for elementary and high schools every year. There is no way to be certain that these tests are improving our nation. Yes, some people pass and score well, but many fail. People are held back from being promoted to the next grade level or from graduating if they fail to pass. There are some people who never pass and end up not getting their high school diploma or dropping out. These exams measure short-term memorization and critical thinking, but they’re not really meant for long-term memorization.

Teachers now, “teach fo...

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... need to limit our focus on the test. It seems like the government only cares about the results of the tests rather than how well a student does in class and comprehending the information. The test can be beneficial with knowing what and how much material the students learn, but teachers are so concerned with trying to just teach what will be on the exam. They need to be able to have time to teach subjects in more depth so students will not only retrieve the knowledge but sustain it as well. The United States is trying so hard to move up from the bottom of the list but instead they are just impairing themselves even more. Instead of being so worried about competing with other countries, the U.S. just need to aim their attention on amending their country. Standardized tests should not be the main focal point, rather than student comprehension and retention should be.