Disadvantages Of Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is a major issue that limits students’ ability to succeed. Standardized testing is unsuccessful in grasping the actual capabilities of a student’s potential, due to the difference in the way students minds work. A good example of this theory, is the quote by Edward de Bono, “Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.” Standardized tests are geared toward standard minds, leaving those with more unique minds and ideas at a disadvantage. Test creators and administrators have tried to remedy this by adding tests like the ACT to help balance students’ scores. One reason for this, would be that, “Several studies found that high school grades more accurately predict academic achievement than any other …show more content…
A student shouldn’t be penalized because his or her brain works differently. Test designers and administrators argue that standardized testing is beneficial, because it shows a student’s capability. This however, does not include the kids with test anxiety. Standardized testing is incapable of highlighting each student’s potential and colleges rely too heavily on these scores to decide on many important decisions such as financial aid and scholarship opportunities with just this information. It should be eliminated for the betterment of students futures. This paper will highlight the disadvantages and issues of partnering with standardized testing. In conclusion, standardized testing is ruining the youth’s chances at a successful life, due to the glorification of standard minds. Test administrators and students alike, should be aware of the inaccuracies of standardized testing. One main issue with standardized testing, is that teachers are teaching memorization, rather than comprehension. By educating test administrators and students of this, the system can be altered and tests will become a smaller factor in student