As a student you learn more about what the teacher views as important, but are evaluated on by what the state thinks is important. "Standardized tests measure only a small portion of what makes education meaningful" (Procon 2) Standardized tests are not a reliable way to evaluate someone’s intelligence. In many cases teachers are encouraged to teach only material that will be seen on certain standardized tests. To quote one critic, "they are infernal machines of social destruction" (bracey 1). For this reason, teachers are forced to extract superfluous material from the course.
Teachers can use informal reading assessments throughout the year to help them prepare students for the standardized tests. Teachers and schools are held accountable for what students learn. Standardized testing shows how well students are doing and whether or not the teachers and schools are meeting the requirements set for the students. There are several pros and cons for these types of tests. One of the pros of these types of tests is that the teachers and schools are held accountable for students learning.
Standardized Testing and How it Impacts Children Standardized testing first appeared with the acceptance of the No Child Left Behind Act. This act was intended to uphold public schools to an extraordinary standard of education, measured by students’ scores in the statewide standardized tests. However, many faults exist with current standardized testing, that could hinder children’s educational growth and also inhibit the growth of a school district itself. Some of the faults found with standardized testing include increased pressure on schools and children, inaccurate measurements of learning, “teaching to the test”, loss of instruction time, score manipulation, cultural bias found in standardized tests, delay in return of test results, and
Usefulness of Standardized Testing Standardized tests are tests that are administered and scored in a “standard” matter. These tests given in elementary, middle school, and high school are primarily given to students in order to identify if the school is covering the entire curriculum that they should be covering. Standardized tests determine the progress of children based on tests, and government funding is based on how well the schools and teachers are doing. Although Standardized Tests are very useful, for a variety of reasons, there has been considerable attention and criticism directed towards students taking the test. Some people believe that Standardized tests are not reliable or consistent.
I am writing my research paper to show that the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act is a failure. The NCLB act was brought forth in 2001 by the George W. Bush administration in an effort to assess basic skills and raise national test scores. In this essay I will provide evidence that NCLB is in fact making it harder for children to succeed. Although NCLB has raised test scores, it requires teachers to “teach to the test,” as opposed to teaching children what they actually need to know to succeed, and leaves children unprepared for further education. NCLB also takes the focus off of the arts and puts it all on subjects that are tested by the state.
Kids Can Learn English If You Teach it Right In the article, “Kids Can Learn English If You Teach it Right” Ronald James criticizes our education system today as he discusses that upon receiving their high school diploma, children still lack important reading and writing skills necessary for success. He discusses the obstacles that freshmen have to endure when they enter high school simply by not having the basic literacy skills needed in order to ensure future success. In the article, Ronald James discusses a variety of reasons for success of remedial courses including the standards for passing are setup by the department, that college teachers have a greater authority than public school teachers have, and that the criteria for passing the English remedial course are very strict. Through his well convincing points, it can be said that our education system today lacks a key characteristic which is the emphasis on reading and writing skills, thus, disabling students from reaching their full potential. Firstly, the standards for passing are setup by the department.
Standardized test measures essential content and skill levels of students. The debate whether assessment centers testing is really accountability. Standardized test measures all students at a certain educational level, are increasingly being used to judge how states, schools and teachers are
Finally we say can with all the testing that is required will it lead to better teaching and deeper learning? Schools needs to look pass the scores and teach the kids to be better young adults and prepare them for college or a trade that will help in the life as they enter the world of adult hood. Reference http://www.education.com/reference/article/no-child-left-behind-NCLB/ Duckworth, A. L., Quonn, P. D., & Tsukayama, E. (2012). What “No Child Left Behind” Leaves behind: The Roles of IQ and Self-Control in Predicting Standardized Achievement Test Scores and Report Card Grades. Journal Of Education Psychology, 104(2), 439-451.
This can have a negative effect on the children and cause them to ‘hate’ school and as soon as they are able to they will ‘drop out’. According to Deborah White who wrote the guide in about.com, she stated, “These supporters also believes that NCLB initiative will further democratize U.S. education, by setting standards and providing resources to schools, regardless of wealth, ethnicity, disabilities or language spoken” (2011). Since the NCLB’s 2002 inception, the act hasn’t been effective in improving education in public education; this is evident in the high schools mixed results in the standardized tests. In January 2007, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings published "Building on Results: A Blue print for Strengthening the No Child Left Behind Act," in which the Bush Administration: • Asserts that the Act "is challenging our students to succeed and our schools to improve." • Claims that "90% of teachers have met NCLB's highly qualified teacher requirements... At-risk students are getting help earlier... children with disabilities are receiving more classroom time and attention...
Exploratory – Standardized Testing The issue at hand is the role standardized testing plays in students’ education. W. James Popham, former President of the American Educational Research Association, defines standardized tests as "any test that's administered, scored, and interpreted in a standard, predetermined manner." Year after year, we as students are urged to do well on various standardized tests. Our entire scholastic careers are comprised of tests and preparation for these tests. If this is the makeup of the vast majority of our academic education, then what are we truly gaining?