Standarized Test-Should we have them?

Michele Coulon
7-16-03

Standardized Tests- should we have them?

Standardized tests are exams designed to measure a student’s scholastic performance. These tests are a controversial issue, because some people feel the test do not show the students’ intelligence. I am one of these people. What the test may cover may not be what the students have learned in class. However, some critics feel “that standardized tests allow administrators, teachers, and parents the opportunity to view solid evidence of the students performance, which in turn could lead to curriculum changes” (Banta, p.1). So, is standardized test really the best way to test?
No, standardized testing is not the best way to test. Unfortunately these tests do not prove how smart a person is. Standardized testing was a good idea, to test the students capabilities and to see how they compare with other districts, but teachers teach using different methods and focus on different issues. What they think is...