Testing by skylar

Testing by skylar - July 2022 Scholarship Essay

Standardized testing creates a curriculum for schools and teachers to follow. The goal is to teach students these skills and perform well for the state test. If the student passes the test, they have learned what is needed and can move on. This prevents students from excelling in subjects and creative thoughts.
Teachers are judged based on the percentage of students that pass the state tests each year. This creates a specific goal for them and ends up limiting their time engaging students in other topics involved in their course. Students in math classes may be interested in geometry but are taking a class on algebra and wouldn’t be interested in that year's course creating a disinterest in the subject.
Many high school students have a grasp on their post high school plan. A large number of students go to college, trade school, or go straight into the workforce. If a student has the plan to go into a trade, why should they have to take a math test over something that won’t be used in their profession?
In ten years, I hope to see an end to standardized testing. I hope that my children aren’t forced to learn specific material that they aren’t interested in and won’t help them become better citizens. Testing creates pressure on students and teachers where it isn’t necessary. Students should be able to learn about what they are interested in and teachers should be able to teach how they want.