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The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing

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\ 42% of high school seniors in Ohio are not set to graduate because of their poor scores on standardized tests. Students all over the United States are forced to participate in statewide standardized tests each year. Many claim that standardized testing allows for teachers to help their students easier, and that it holds school districts accountable. While school mandated standardized testing can be useful, statewide standardized testing is ineffective and negatively impacts students. Standardized tests can cause unnecessary stress on, already stressed, students. Reports show that stress levels increase during standardized testing. Three fourths of psychologist in New York claimed that statewide assessments create larger amounts of…show more content…
Because statewide testing is mentioned at the beginning of the year, the stress can become chronic. Chronic stress is defined as emotional pressure suffered for a prolonged period of time in which an individual perceives he or she has little or no control. The stress put onto students during periods of standardized tests also worsens their grades. While small amounts of stress can heighten students’ ability, chronic stress can cause poor decision-making qualities, increased mistakes, and lowers productivity. These three characteristics are all important for test-taking strategies. Stress can also affect the ability to comprehend new material; therefore, impairing their learning. Also, not every class has a mandatory state test. While high schoolers may have three classes that have state tests, the rest of their classes are continuing as normal. This adds to their stress because not only do they have to prepare for a test, but also keep up their other classes. Not only do standardized tests affect students, but they also affect taxpayers. Each state spends about $1.7 billion on standardized testing. Think about that, $1.7 billion of an education fund goes to standardized testing. It has been like this since the early 2000s. Before the No Child Left Behind Act was passed by President George Bush, states spent $423 million on standardized testing. Funds spent on standardized testing could be used for higher quality of education, after
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