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Kendall Carroll
After reading this lesson, readers will be able to...
Define standardized testing.
Explain why standardized tests are important to learning.
Describe an example of a standardized test.
Brief Introduction to Standardized Testing
Video (2:46)
Think of a time when you had to follow specific instructions in order to take a test. Chances are, you were taking a standardized test. These tests must be administered in a standard way, and follow a very specific procedure. If part of the procedure is not followed, or it is interrupted, the test may have to stop and be taken at another time. That is how important standardized tests are.
WHAT IS STANDARDIZED TESTING?
Standardized testing is when a test is administered and graded in a standard way. All students who take a certain test will experience the same questions, testing environment, and grading scale. These tests are usually national tests or tests that larger groups take. Standardized tests are known for their consistency no matter where they are taken. The purpose of a standardized test is to measure the academic skills and progress of students.
WHY ARE STANDARDIZED TESTS IMPORTANT TO LEARNING?
It is important that everyone is given a fair chance when taking a test. These standardized tests are mostly used when attempting to be accepted into higher education. There has been controversy recently about requiring standardized tests, however they do provide colleges and universities with a standard result. When colleges receive a score from one of these tests, they already know what that score represents.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF STANDARDIZED TESTS?
Some examples of standardized tests include the SAT, PSAT, ACT, AP exams, and MCAT. These tests are still used today. AP exams are taken for AP courses in high school. The SAT and ACT are most commonly used for placement into higher education. Most colleges still require submission of those scores on applications. The MCAT is a standardized test used to be admitted into medical school.
CONCLUSION
Standardized testing has been around for many years to provide students with a fair chance when testing. It is becoming more and more controversial to whether colleges should require standardized tests for admission. The SAT, ACT, and MCAT are the most common examples of a standardized test still used today. Most people reading this lesson have taken at least one standardized test listed.
References:
Almagor, L. (2014). The Good in Standardized Testing. Boston Review, 39(5), 6–9.
Long, C. (n.d.). Standardized testing is still failing students. NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/standardized-testing-still-failing-students
Parfitt, E., & Shane, S. (2021). Working within the System: The Effects of Standardized Testing on Education Outreach and Community Writing. Community Literacy Journal, 11(1), Community literacy journal, 2021, Vol.11 (1).
Standardized Testing Pros and Cons - does it improve education?. Standardized Tests. (2022, February 17). https://standardizedtests.procon.org/
Manager, E. E. S., Espey, E., Manager, S., Director, S. N. A., Nadeau, S., Director, A., Shepherd Director, M., Shepherd, M., Director, Director, E. L. A., Lofgren, E., Ives-Rublee, M., Smith, A., Gaspard, P., & Murphy, N. (2023, October 20). Future of testing in education: The way forward for state standardized tests. Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/future-testing-education-way-forward-state-standardized-tests/
Review Questions:
What is one example of a standardized test used across the nation?
A. ACT
B. Biology Quiz
C. SAT
D. Both A and C
According to the lesson, what is a benefit of standardized testing?
A. teachers can only teach material for those tests
B. they are objective and fair assessments
C. students can use notes on the test
D. students can take the test as many times as they like
Answers: 1) D 2) B
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