Standardized Testing
Synthesis Essay on Standardized Testing Standardized testing in the United States started in the mid- 1800’s (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). This kind of testing was originally created to measure students’ performance and progress in school (Standardized Tests - ProCon.org). In recent years, the public school system has relied heavily on the information this test provides, in doing so creating controversy. Other than being a student myself, and participating in multiple standardized exams such as, CSAP, ACT, and SAT, I do not have much background knowledge on this debate. The debate over standardized testing has raised this inquiry question: What are the effects of standardized testing on the United States public education system? I believe that the effects that standardized testing has on the US public education system is good and bad. Within these articles if found common themes, including elements of objectivity and subjectivity, a rise in cheating, and measurement of student success. The different articles I used for my research were: “Why It’s Time to Get Rid of Standardized Tests”, by Noliwe M. Rooks, an associated professor at Cornell University, from Time Magazine, published on October 11, 2012 by The Time, Inc. The thesis of this article is “Standardized achievement tests unfairly advantage white and Asian students and disadvantage the rest” (Time, Ideas). The second article used was, “Is the Use of Standardized Test improving Education in America?” by ProCon.org, updated on October 15, 2013, published by Procon.org. The thesis of this article is, people who believe that standardized tests are good for the US believe that the tests are fair and objective. On the other hand, people who believe that standardized tests are not beneficial for the US believe that tests are not fair or objective. The third article I researched was “Do Standardized Tests Show an Accurate View of Student’s Abilities?”, by Concordia University in Oregon. The thesis of
Cited: "Do Standardized Tests Show an Accurate View of Students ' Abilities?" Do Standardized Test Show an Accurate View of Students ' Abilities? Concordia University, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. . Emanuel, Ezekiel J. "Test Our Children Well." New Republic 244.16 (2013): 9-10. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. Rooks, Noliwe M. "Time: Ideas." Ideas Why Its Time to Get Rid of Standardized Tests Comments. TIME, 11 Oct. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. . Schneider, Stephanie, and Matt Christison. "Argument: Are Exams Bad For children?" New Internationalist All Posts RSS. N.p., July 2013. Web. 24 Oct. 2013. "Standardized Tests - ProCon.org." ProCon.org Headlines. Procon.org, 15 Oct. 2013. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. SCHNEIDER, STEPHANIE, and MATT CHRISTISON. "Are Exams Bad For Children?." New Internationalist 464 (2013): 30-32. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.