Standardized testing is controversial but can have benefits. It aims to provide consistency in measuring student learning across schools. Supporters argue it predicts future success, provides feedback to improve teaching and learning, and creates accountability. However, critics note issues like cultural bias, misuse of results, and unequal test preparation. Overall the document concludes standardized testing, while imperfect, is a relatively inexpensive reform that can ultimately help raise student and teacher performance if its limitations are addressed.

1. Has too much emphasis been placed on standardized
tests?

2. What is standardized
testing?
A standardized test is a test that is administered and scored in a
consistent manner or “standard”. (SAT, ACT, FCAT, AP
EXAMS, ETC)
The tests came out of request from the public and parents for
two reasons:
to have an understanding of what it is we expect children to learn at various
ages of schooling.
to be confident in that indeed the children are learning
The government believes it is a valuable diagnostic tool that is
helping to improve student achievement.

3. THE fcat
In florida we have the FCAT or Florida Comprehensive
Assessment Test
First administered in 1998
Given annually usually between late february - April
only for public school students grades 3-11
students results from the fcat are compiled to generate
a grade for the school.
schools receive a grade, from a-f
the higher the score the more funding the school receives

4. Why is standardized testing
controversial?
Controversy of:
cultural bias
misuse of standardized tests
the bias of authors of standardized test
inequality in preparation

5. Positives of standardized
testing
Predicting future success:
Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT have been shown to be
effective in predicting a student's future performance in higher
education, in the military, and in the work force
The standardized SAT or ACT create a common national measure
that college admissions counselors rate as "a more reliable
measure than high school grade point average, extracurricular
activities, recommendations, essays, etc."
Eliminating the SATs would result in unintended, negative
consequences. A University of California study found that if the
University did not require SAT scores from prospective students,
they would have to raise their standard high school GPA to
unrealistic expectations just to balance out the admissions
process.

6. Positives of standardized
testing continued...
Making better students & teachers:
Standardized testing provides students with better feedback about
their own level of knowledge and skills.
It also helps students to associate personal effort with rewards
and motivates them to work harder in school. The testing and its
feedback send clearer signals to students about what they need to
study.
Standardized testing motivates teachers to work harder and more
effectively. They can better identify areas of strength and
weakness in their teaching plans and then can restructure them.
They can also identify what content was not mastered by students
and see which students have the greatest needs.

7. Positives of standardized
testing continued...
Providing accountability:
Accountability at the school level will encourage positive changes
such as the revision of district curriculum and testing programs
so that they become consistent with state curricula.
It also leads districts and schools to use their resources more
effectively
Results from standardized tests can help reallocate funds to
schools who performed well and deserve a reward, but also to
those schools most in need.

8. Conclusion
Testing is less expensive than many other
reform options.
The system of standardized testing may not be
perfect, but it's an effective approach that
will ultimately lead to the improvement of
school districts, teachers, and student
learning.

9. Video
Mike Huckabee on standardized testing