A Wicked Problem

Wicked problems are really unsolvable and there are no definite solutions. Within the United States and its educational system, are many wicked problems that educators, students, and administrators face throughout their careers. One big discussion that has led to many opinions and is ultimately a wicked problem is the standardized test crisis. These types of tests are widely used throughout the world but seem to be very prevalent within the US. Initially, standardized tests were created as an even way to assess all students. Though through the years, problems and issues have arisen with the effect these tests have had on students and teachers. Big corporations and policymakers lack awareness of the problems that educators have begun to face due to these issues. Most companies that deal with standardized tests benefit in a financial way, while students' mental health and learning become hugely affected by the pressures put on them from these tests.

If we think about students, and how they learn, they are all not the same. They learn in a multitude of ways, and one "standardized" test is not going to accurately, or fairly, assess each student. "Standardized tests fail to account for students who learn and demonstrate academic proficiency in different ways" (School of Education - American University, 2020). In an article from 1989, Neil et al wrote out the many issues that students faced with taking and the lasting effects that these types of tests had on them. 33 years later and these words and the understanding of the harm and inaccuracy of standardized tests have on children are still present. These assessments "often produce results that are inaccurate, inconsistent, and biased against minorities, females, and students from low-income families" (Neill et al, 1989, p. 689). Since the late eighties, more effects have emerged that are tied to standardized tests. Specifically in an article written in 2020 "High-stakes testing can place undue stress on students and affect their performance" (School of Education - American University, 2020). Not to mention with all the pressure placed on core subjects like reading and math, creativity is stifled and pushed to the side. Which in turn can affect students' learning and engagement within the classroom. The stress of performance on these tests can lead to further problems with students learning and overall where they go in their futures. Ultimately standardized test "scores limit the programs that students can enter and dictate where students are placed" within society (Neill et al, 1989, p. 688). In the end, the negative effects of these tests are detrimental to all areas of a students learning and health within the classroom. "Testing limits children’s education possibilities, which results in a mediocre curriculum and learning" (Haladyna et al, 1998, p. 265).

How do we solve the issues surrounding standardized testing? Some solutions can begin to help this wicked problem by bringing awareness to the effect of standardized testing and the issues that arise from it. Creating a movement that disrupts the system while ethically empowering others to take stand. This could include things like; student and teacher coalition on platforms like podcasts or reality shows, planning walkouts on testing days, and/or allowing for opt-outs.  How do we fix the system and those who are in charge of these policies? If we think about who is making these policies and tests, they are usually not people who are experienced in education, so a solution could be to change those people in those positions to people who are actual educators. How do we use teacher's assessments as the only way to evaluate student's learning? Creating choices of testing, and modeling an new educational system like Finland’s, where they use “teacher assessment to evaluate student progress, allowing more time for experimentation and play” (Dickinson, 2022). These are just a few questions that perhaps could lead to possible solution to the standardized testing crisis.