Patel 1

Do the Benefits Associated with Standardized Testing Outweigh the Negatives?

Aashiana Patel

Professor Malcolm Campbell

UWRT 1104

March 26, 2019

Standardized tests are highly debated in the United States; the debate is centered around

the ways in which the test results are used and whether test results are a reliable indicator of

student learning. Test developers argue that test scores should not be used exclusively to measure

educational performance. Standardized testing is likely to be debated when test scores are used to

make decisions about educational policies, schools, teachers and students. On the other hand,

these tests would be less debated if they were used to diagnose learning needs and used to

improve student learning (“Standardized Test”). Despite the arguments against standardized

testing the benefits that can result from testing greatly outweigh the few negative aspects.

Standardized tests are commonly used throughout the American education system and

often cover grammar, reading, spelling and mathematics (“North Carolina Department of

Administration”). Standardized tests require all test takers to answer the same questions or a

selection of questions from a common bank. The tests are then scored in a consistent manner,

which makes it easier to compare the performance of individual students. Standardized tests are

used for a variety of purposes including, determining a child’s readiness for kindergarten,

identifying students who need special-education services/academic support, determining the

course levels for individual students, or awarding educational certificates (“Standardized Test”).

There are valid points on both sides of the argument and the biggest benefits associated

with standardized testing include that there is similar testing material and standardized results.

Many test experts/educators consider standardized tests to be objective, as they have a

standardized format, use computerized scoring and reduce the potential for bias or favoritism

(“Standardized Test”). Computerized scoring/standardized results reduce the potential for bias,

because the test scores will all be similar regardless of who is grading them. By implementing

standardized results any bias that could stem from the grader is eliminated, while on the other
 Patel 3

hand exams that use subjective grading often yield grades that vary depending on the person

grading them (Daniel Harri). Reducing bias through the use of standardized testing ensures that

all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. In addition, it is important to note that

standardized tests are usually short enough to complete in only one day and they are simple to

administer/grade. For these reasons it takes very little time to create standardized tests, which

makes them cost efficient (Daniel Harri).

Standardized tests also evaluate if students have learned everything in the curriculum,

including whether students have met state learning standards. Performance on standardized tests

can be used to hold schools/educators accountable for educational results and student

performance (“Standardized Test”). For example, test scores often measure effectiveness and

low scores may result in a variety of consequences for schools and teachers. James Aycock, who

is a teacher, strongly believes that assessments give teachers data, which informs them about

their instruction. Dr. Gail Gross, an education expert, also states that standardized tests give

teachers “important diagnostic information about what each child is learning in relation to what

he/she has been taught”. Therefore, information obtained from assessments allow teachers to

examine how effective their teaching methods were and adjust accordingly. This shows that

standardized testing can be very beneficial for teachers and results from standardized tests can be

used to improve student learning and achievement (Alina Saminsky).

Standardized tests are also beneficial as they can be used to identify achievement gaps

among different groups of students, including students of color, students who are not proficient

in English, students from low income households and students with disabilities. Latasha Gandy

describes how standardized tests have brought attention to some of the racial biases in our

education system. Gandy states that standardized tests hold teachers/schools accountable because
 Patel 4

they “are now having to answer for the low academic performance of students of color and low-

income students.” The results from standardized tests can be used to identify/highlight the

underlying racial inequality that is taking place in schools, which would lead to more awareness

and changes in educational policies.

Along with measuring learning there are other benefits to standardized testing that

students often forget about. The advantages of standardized testing that are less evident include

scholarships, college credit and preparation for college-level exams. One of the best-known

scholarships is the National Merit Scholarship Program and this scholarship is awarded based

PSAT/NMSQT scores (Sonya Ellis). This means that performing well on certain tests can be

extremely beneficial for students and every student has the same opportunity to receive score-

based scholarships. Although most students complain about standardized testing the results are

beneficial as they can often award students with college credit. Students often disregard that they

have earned college-credit through Advanced Placement, which requires an end of year

standardized test. Academic options such as Advanced Placement can help students gain college

credits, which allow students to bypass certain college classes (Sonya Ellis). In addition,

standardized tests prepare students for the rigorous coursework that they will face in college.

Skills, study habits, academic stamina and focus required to take standardized tests are all

transferable and can be used later on in life. Latasha Gandy, the Minnesota Program Director for

Students for Education Reform (SFER), reflects on her testing experiences growing up and

describes how testing requires critical thinking skills, which she has used throughout her life.

Gandy is also a mother of two and states that she would like her children to be put through the

same testing, so that they can develop the same skills.

Those who are traditionally against standardized testing often argue about things such as

inherent biases, too much focus on test preparation, few academic subjects and whether tests

measure learning. Many often describe that standardized tests have inherent biases that may

disadvantage certain groups, such as students of color, students that are unfamiliar with

American cultural conventions, students who are not proficient in English, or students with

disabilities. Opponents of standardized testing also believe that standardized tests have a narrow

range of content that is evaluated, which causes teachers to focus more on test preparation. In

addition, they believe that a strong emphasis on test preparation can be harmful as other

important educational pursuits, such as art, music, health, physical education and twenty first

century skills are often given less importance. Opponents of standardized testing are also often

concerned about the overall accuracy of standardized tests/whether they measure student

learning (“Standardized Test”).

On the other hand, students often oppose standardized tests for reasons such as stress and

testing anxiety. Students are often aware about the high stakes associated with exams and as a

result they spend a large amount of class time preparing for exams (Liza Frenette). High stakes

testing also often causes testing anxiety, which is when one becomes extremely stressed and

experience anxiety in testing situations. In addition, testing anxiety can also impair learning and

hurt a student’s performance on tests. High stakes testing also causes many students to believe

that standardized tests only cause stress and in addition students believe that there are several

other ways to measure learning.

In regards to the arguments against standardized testing, there are some valid points, but

the benefits that come with standardized testing outweigh the few negatives. While some argue

that standardized tests have inherent biases, giving all students the same questions and using
 Patel 6

computerized scoring reduces much of the bias that often occurs with subjective grading

(“Standardized Test”). For this reason, standardized tests are the least biased way to measure

student learning. The argument that standardized tests result in too much focus on test

preparation, is one of the weaker arguments, as focusing on test preparation prepares students for

higher education where students are often preparing for many important tests. Although

standardized tests only cover a few subjects, these tests are still effective, as they cover the most

important subjects and ensure that students are learning the basic skills necessary to succeed.

In regards to stress and testing anxiety, there are many tips and tricks to reduce/eliminate

testing anxiety. Standardized tests are the most effective and efficient way to ensure that all

students are learning, and things such as stress and anxiety can easily be controlled/reduced.

Strategies to reduce stress/anxiety include being prepared, getting a good night’s sleep, reading

carefully and learning effective time management skills (Natasha Tracy). Even if standardized

tests were eliminated students need to find effective ways to deal with stress, as in the real world

there is no way to escape the many challenges that people face.

In conclusion standardized testing may have its drawbacks, but it is the most effective

and efficient way to ensure that all students are learning. Standardized tests are cost efficient and

the results can be used to improve overall education. Standardized tests prepare students for

higher education and can help students learn efficient ways to prepare for important tests. In

addition, standardized tests also hold teachers and schools accountable for how well their

students are learning and whether they are meeting educational standards. The results from

standardized tests can be used to improve American education and figure out how factors such as

gender, race and family income influence test scores.

Works Cited

Aycock, James. “Teacher Voice: In Defense of Standardized Testing.” SCORE, SCORE, 20 May

2014, tnscore.org/in-defense-of-standardized-testing/. Accessed 29 Mar. 2019.

Daniel, Harri. “Benefits of Standardized Testing.” Benefits Of, 2 Feb. 2011,

benefitof.net/benefits-of-standardized-testing/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2019.

Ellis, Sonya. “Why Standardized Tests Matter Beyond College Admissions.” U.S. News &

World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 23 Apr. 2018,

www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/articles/2018-04-23/3-

benefits-of-standardized-testing-beyond-college-admissions. Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.

Frenette, Liza. “Test Stress and Academic Anxiety.” NYSUT, NYSUT, 6 Mar. 2015,

www.nysut.org/news/nysut-united/issues/2015/march-2015/test-stress-and-academic-

anxiety. Accessed 26 Mar. 2019.

Gandy, Latasha. “Don't Believe the Hype: Standardized Tests Are Good for Children, Families

and Schools.” Education Post, Education Post, 11 Jan. 2016, educationpost.org/dont-

believe-the-hype-standardized-tests-are-good-for-children-families-and-schools/.

Accessed 29 Mar. 2019.

Gross, Gail. “The Value of Standardized Testing.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 30 Sept. 2013,

www.huffpost.com/entry/the-value-of-standardized_b_3684212. Accessed 28 Mar. 2019.

“North Carolina Department of Administration.” NC DOA,

https://ncadmin.nc.gov/citizens/home-school/home-school-requirements-

recommendations/nationally-standardized-testing-requirement. Accessed 26 Mar. 2019.

Saminsky, Alina. “High-Stakes Standardized Testing: A Panacea or a Pest?” Inquiries

Journal/Student Pulse 3.01 (2011). https://inquiriesjournal.com/a?id=373. Accessed 24

Mar. 2019.

“Standardized Test.” The Glossary of Education Reform, Great Schools Partnership, 12 Nov.

2015, www.edglossary.org/standardized-test/. Accessed 30 Mar. 2019.

Tracy, Natasha. “Successful Strategies for Test Anxiety.” HealthyPlace, HealthyPlace, 23 Feb.

2007, www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/articles/successful-strategies-for-test-

anxiety. Accessed 28 Mar. 2019.