Standardized tests should not be so heavily relied on in today’s day in age of growing technology and testing alternatives.

First let’s start, what is a standardized test? A standardized test is an assessment given, scored, and evaluated in the same uniform manner. This means all test-takers answer the same questions or selection of questions under the same conditions allowing a fair comparison of performance. But is this truly a fair comparison?

It has been found that most standardized testing does not provide a truly fair, comprehensive picture. Many reflect socioeconomic differences rather than potential, focusing on test-taking skills rather than critical thinking. This should not be the standard to measure student potential.

Standardized tests range from aptitude tests like the ACT or SAT to certification tests for professional credentials. But the most common place where standardized tests are used is in school. The Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA requires annual testing in public schools in the United States to measure student progress. These scores dictate funding, teacher evaluations, and student performance. These tests do not accurately reflect student performance as they do not consider socioeconomic status, test-taking abilities, or other factors like stress, nutrition, and school funding.

Instead schools should look to alternatives to one large test. Portfolios show the learning a student has done over the year or even their entire school education proving their understanding and skill. Projects allow students to critically think and express their ideas compared to bubbling in letters. 

Now I am not suggesting to completely stop using standardized tests, they are more convenient and give schools data-driven benchmarks but they should not be the go-to test for measuring student potential. Standardized tests should not be the standard, only one option of many to analyze student performance.