Is State Testing Crucial?

State testing is something that students in grades 3-8 must do at the end of every school year. Many students dread it because of how boring and strict it is. Many teachers also pressure you to try your hardest on the state test, but is it that important? The teachers say that the state uses these scores to help the education system teach students at a higher standard. Although many teachers say this, is it actually true and is the state test crucial throughout your school years?

As many students know, the state test is used for the state, but is it also used for anything other than that? After some analysis, state test scores have helped students get placed into advanced classes. For example, students with higher scores on the English state test got into Ms. Gunderson’s class, which is advanced English. Students with a high math state test score either got Math 8 or Algebra, depending on how high it was. A student named Catherine Nguyen, who is a seventh grader, was placed into Ms. Gunderson’s class and Algebra. This may be another factor on why teachers always bug students, because they want them to be placed into advanced classes.

State testing isn’t just used for seventh graders; it’s also used for eighth graders. When eighth graders are being placed into their classes for high school, the counselors use their state test grades. For example, students with a higher score on the math state test may be able to skip algebra for geometry. Students who also get a high grade on the state test may also have the opportunity to join AP classes, which are like college courses. 

The state test also affects 8th graders. When the eighth graders are placed into their classes in high school, the counselors use their state test scores to place them into their classes. This is another factor on why many teachers encourage students to try their hardest on the state test. 

Although the state test isn’t used for everybody, should you still try your hardest on the test? Many students say they won’t be trying on the state test because it doesn’t affect their grades, but everybody should still try their hardest, especially if they are in eighth grade. In eighth grade they will be stuck with that score until 11th grade, which is three years of no state testing. If you got a bad score on the state test in eighth grade, then you’d be stuck with that low score until you do the state test in 11th grade. Seventh graders should also try their hardest on the state test because it helps them remember everything they’ve learned throughout the school year and sometimes even from last year.