Standardized Test Bias

Do your best on the test- This statement of encouragement is often used in North Carolina schools right before students complete standardized tests. Standardized tests are common and this memorable and catchy saying is used to motivate students to succeed. With that being said, what exactly is a standardized test? According to the Glossary of Education Reform, “A standardized test is any form of test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from a common bank of questions in the same way (“Standardized Test Definition”). These tests are scored in an undeviating manner. This makes it feasible to compare the scores of the individual students or groups of scholars. Standardized tests are usually referred …show more content…
From analyzing the definition above, it is clear that standardized tests are not biased by any means. A computer is in charge of all of the grading, therefore a teacher does not have any impact on the score of the exam. In the previous years, teachers were able to make up their mind about a student’s grade. If the teacher was not fond of the student, it is obvious as to what the grade would possibly look like. Standardized tests eliminate this bias and give students a fair opportunity to all score well on the assessment. The article, “10 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Standardized Testing Standardized” states, “But with computers, those powers are stripped from them and students can now be judged on what they have put on paper – no external factors involved” (“10 Big Advantages and Disadvantages”). Using standardized testing allows for there to be no bias when the tests are scored. This ensures that the tests are accurate representations of a student’s capabilities. Standardized tests distinctly prove the knowledge of a student and ensure that there is no bias in the grading of the