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The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing

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A standardized test is a type of test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions in the same way. The tests are graded in a “standard” manner, which makes it easy to compare the performances of individual students. Researchers argue that standardized testing is a necessary tool in measuring students’ knowledge, skills and understanding. They believe standardized tests are objective, fair, efficient, and comprehensive. Although standardized tests are a key tool in the education system they need to be reassessed and have more lead way. Standardized tests can have a very negative impact on students and the test results are not entirely reliable. Parents should be able to have the option to opt their child out of standardized tests, if deemed necessary.
Standardized testing has been around for a while. The earliest known standardized tests were “administered to government job applicants in 7th Century Imperial China” (“Background of the Issue”). Standardized testing has been used in the American educational system since the mid-1800’s. Boston schools were one of the first to introduce standardized testing. The plan for the new tests were to provide a “single standard by which to judge and compare the output of each school” (“Background of the Issue”). In 1965, the movement of modern day testing was initiated by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA),” which included testing and accountability provisions in an effort to raise standards and make

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