Persuasive Essay
If you grew up and went to school in the United States, then you are most likely familiar with the standardized tests issued every year. These tests were formed to examine whether or not a student has learned enough materials and is ready to move on to the next grade-level. These tests vary in the amount of time and format, depending on the disciplines. Krishna Narra, the author of the article, “Moving beyond standardized tests,” states that some of the consequences of the standardized tests, such as TAKS, STAAR, AP, SAT, and ACT are “narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, pushing students out of school, driving teachers out of the profession and undermining student engagement and school climate.” I agree with …show more content…
Coming from a college preparatory high school, the effects of the standardized testing was fairly obvious. (Ethos) During the months close to the AP and STAAR exams, the number of students in the library suddenly increases. Some might see this as a sign of the school’s success due to the large amount of students dedicating themselves into their studies. But this is false. Most, if not all, of the students are only there so they can cram massive amounts of information into their brain before the tests. Not only was this present in my high school, it is also present in other schools. As of date, I am a tutor in a local high school near the university. The same phenomenon can be seen as the exam dates draw closer. The amount of stress and pressure the students are under is not only influencing them emotionally and psychologically, but affecting them physically as well. A prime example of the negative effects these standardized tests cause happened during the latter month of my freshman year. David Cavazos, a senior at the time, committed suicide after receiving his SAT and ACT scores. His score were not up to the standards of his parents and the various universities he applied to. He unfortunately thought that his life is over so he ended it himself. (Pathos) Additionally, in a survey conducted at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, it states that more than 75% of students study for the tests develop bad habits, sleep deprivation, and eating disorders.(Logos) All of these negative, life-threatening effects shouldn’t be caused by national tests, which were essentially formed to improve a student’s
If you grew up and went to school in the United States, then you are most likely familiar with the standardized tests issued every year. These tests were formed to examine whether or not a student has learned enough materials and is ready to move on to the next grade-level. These tests vary in the amount of time and format, depending on the disciplines. Krishna Narra, the author of the article, “Moving beyond standardized tests,” states that some of the consequences of the standardized tests, such as TAKS, STAAR, AP, SAT, and ACT are “narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, pushing students out of school, driving teachers out of the profession and undermining student engagement and school climate.” I agree with …show more content…
Coming from a college preparatory high school, the effects of the standardized testing was fairly obvious. (Ethos) During the months close to the AP and STAAR exams, the number of students in the library suddenly increases. Some might see this as a sign of the school’s success due to the large amount of students dedicating themselves into their studies. But this is false. Most, if not all, of the students are only there so they can cram massive amounts of information into their brain before the tests. Not only was this present in my high school, it is also present in other schools. As of date, I am a tutor in a local high school near the university. The same phenomenon can be seen as the exam dates draw closer. The amount of stress and pressure the students are under is not only influencing them emotionally and psychologically, but affecting them physically as well. A prime example of the negative effects these standardized tests cause happened during the latter month of my freshman year. David Cavazos, a senior at the time, committed suicide after receiving his SAT and ACT scores. His score were not up to the standards of his parents and the various universities he applied to. He unfortunately thought that his life is over so he ended it himself. (Pathos) Additionally, in a survey conducted at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, it states that more than 75% of students study for the tests develop bad habits, sleep deprivation, and eating disorders.(Logos) All of these negative, life-threatening effects shouldn’t be caused by national tests, which were essentially formed to improve a student’s