The many types of standardized tests students take are the NWEA, MEAP, M-Step, and many more. Those are the main ones and in high school they move to the ACT, SAT, and many more. For elementary, it may cause stress to them and their only 10 and younger. They should be able to enjoy elementary and feel ready to go to middle school.
What do standardized tests do for students? How do they help improve education. Zeinab Eidy, a student at Unis Middle School says, “The tests have too many expectations, which puts too much pressure on a student.” Some people say that standardized tests are dependable and measure the actual achievement of students. The test may not be 100% accurate, so they need to base our grades on the things we learn in class, too.
Heather Webber, a teacher at Unis/McCollough School says “The students spend too much time testing, that they don’t have time to learn the basics.” To go into middle school they should have all the basics memorized and confident. Instead they have to be doing a test that may not even be accurate to help them pass to middle school. All students should feel confident to move on but especially elementary.
Dawn Agemy, a teacher at Unis Middle School says “These tests are not fair and students should be given a retake depending on how hard the test is.” The tests are getting harder every couple years, especially when they make a new test. It’s not really fair for them to make our tests harder with questions we don’t know the answer to.
Ahmed Algahmi, a fifth grader at McCollough Elementary says “Students shouldn’t be held back based on the tests because there are questions that the tests ask, and sometimes the teacher might have not taught them it.” Students often see that there is material on the test that they have not gone over in class, therefore not passing the portion of the test. Some students really care about their grades and get very frustrated if they see a bad grade.
According to greatschools.org, “Stressed out, over-scheduled, hurried are the types of words to describe children today and one problem is from the standardized tests. Students don’t really show improvement from something that gives a score which may not be accurate. Many students with a 4.0 grade point average are expected to have have test scores. When their scores do not reflect their grades, they may feel like it’s their fault . Getting good grades in class does not show understanding in a certain area, but more of how well you do in class and if you get your work done.
In conclusion, we shouldn’t be based on a test that is not accurate. Some students may have a hard time comprehending questions and end up scoring really low on test that are required by the state. It is a reflection of that students and at times will reflect the wrong image. Standardized test should be a way to show students that they are improving and show them that hard work and dedication will get them farther in their future.
Malak Almonajed