An outline of standardized testing, along with its pros and cons

1. Standardized Testing Good or Bad? By: John Lees

2. Outline: Origin of testing What does the public think? Primary school pros & cons Secondary school pros & cons Current issues at hand Where is standardized testing headed?

3. Standardized tests in the U.S First form of test in the U.S was the IQ test (1914-1918)(wikipedia.com) Really pushed into schools during the cold war Beginning tests concentrated on math and science More recently used for ease of computer grading and comparison Allows government to compare areas

4. Public Views Give reason behind funding for designated areas Allows parents to compare their child to national averages Scores presented to public through government website Mixed feelings on whether they should be given

5. Primary Testing Emotional pros & cons on testing Pros:-Shows child his or her success on the material-Gives confidence towards preparation skills-Encourages the child to continue learning Cons:-Possibly lower self esteem if low score is received-Make the child that preparation doesn’t make a difference-Could create a fear of learning and test taking

6. Primary Testing Cognitive pros & cons on testing Pros:-Gives the child crucial study skills-Helps develop time management skills -Can encourage a well rounded education Cons:-Child may not yet have the ability to study vast amounts of material-Not all children can process material at the same speed-If the child doesn’t score high in a certain area they may decide they hate the subject

7. Primary Testing Physical pros & cons on testing Pros:- Allows for the child to practice routine change-Child gains experience on academic stress-Possibly first experience with long duration testing Cons:-Children with certain disabilities may not adapt well to change in routine-Child lose composure under pressure-If a child has a learning disability(ADD,ADHD) test duration may be an issue

8. Secondary Testing Emotional pros & cons on testing Pros:-Success may encourage academic interest-Let the student be open about his or her achievements-Creates optimism for pursuing higher education Cons:-Failure may act as a deterrent towards education-Create insecurities about the students learning abilities-College may seem like an impossible task

9. Secondary Testing Cognitive pros & cons Pros:-Enables the student to develop all comprehension skills-Creates the ability for a student to identify what skill to use-Prepares the student for college level courses Cons-Test is taken before comprehensions skills are developed-Mind may get mixed up on what technique to use-Students may feel they aren’t mentally equipped for college

10. Secondary Teaching Physical pros & cons on testing Pros:-Enables the student to learn how to deal with stress-Skills to manage your study time, and test time-Learn how to focus on material for that duration Cons:-Limits student to do normal school work-Adds more of a work load to students during school year-Forces students to attempt work above their skill level

11. Current Issues Teachers getting fired as a result of low test scores Students with English as second language given the same test Funding being taken away during a time of need

12. Where is testing headed? Continuing to determine funding for school districts More pressure on teachers over students success Rigorous reform in schools all around Greater impact on opportunities for students

13. Summary How testing came about What people think about testing Effects on elementary students all around Effects on high school students all around Issues at hand What will happen in the near future

14. Sources Images from:-static.family.go.com/images-meds.queensu.ca-www.howstuffworks.com(Photographer: Sebastian Kaulitzki)Family.go.com Information on slide 3 from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standardized_test Consulted with Robin Barney-Lees M.A Language arts/elementary education