Question

What is the point of standardized testing? Its it even accurate or essential?

Answer 1

Standardised testing has pros and cons. The ability for these tests to help students to prepare for the next grade or certain positions/jobs is very limited. Teachers are compelled to teach students towards tests, this can mean the difference between the school recieving government funding or not. This tends to reduce creativity in students, limiting them to producing their own answers to questions.

Due to standardised tests being marked by computers this causes conflicting arguments. Critics say multiple-choice tests are too simplistic, while advocates note that technology improvements feature items that demand more critical thinking before choosing a response. Open-ended questions allow students to display knowledge and apply critical thinking skills, but most require human readers.

Hope this gives some light on the question. But each person has their own oppinion if standardised tests are accurate or reliable in testing one's intellectual ability.