With the ACT coming up in a week, many are flummoxed as why the scores are still so harshly implemented. Standardized testing is difficult to measure, as there are so many different variables going into each student taking the test. It rarely tests critical thinking, but often the ability to answer questions as quickly as possible.
For example, on the ACT, students have 45 minutes to answer 75 questions about English and grammar. This equates to approximately 40 seconds each question. Students have very little time to read and thoroughly absorb the question before being pushed to make a decision.
Along with that, test-optional colleges are becoming more common as the controversy around standardized testing becomes more apparent. Due to the pandemic, a wave of colleges announced they would deemphasize the tests, leaving it optional to put your scores on your college application.
They recognize it has little to no application in the context in the real world or school. Forcing students to sit down and remember bits of information learned over years of school does not transfer to having an organizing space with access to support when solving workplace problems.
In a study led by Alfie Kohn, not only is it not applicable to a standard workplace, it also does not translate to school. It is emphasized that teachers should teach in depth and students should have the time to process the information. During an ACT or SAT it is hard to fully understand the question as students have to cram all the answers in a short time limit, making them unable to fully comprehend the question being asked. Students cannot be held accountable for wrong answers when they were never given the opportunity to fully understand it in the first place.
So why are we still taking the ACT? It is helpful to have the score on hand, and it gives you good studying habits for future classes. Many scholarships use standardized testing scores, and colleges keep the option open if they are more ideal for your situation.
-Afiqah Caples