When discussion about standardized testing comes up, many students seem to have the same reaction and opinions. But the question is, why do kids have that opinion. When asked her opinion on standardized testing, Brianna Mengel said she does not think it accurately measures students’ learning level and it is not an accurate reflection of students’ academic year. Many factors may contribute to a student not doing, such as test anxiety. Mengel makes the point that if there is a student who does poorly on a standardized test because they are not the best test takers, they still may be as smart as a student who passed with flying colors. Mengel also adds that some students’ tests may not even help them in the long run, so they just feel like they have to be put through stress and anxiety for nothing.
Another student, Aron Moser, expressed how every year he dreads standardized testing. Moser admits that sometimes the test just seems to drag on, and he just does not have the energy to keep trying his best. He says he is tempted to start guessing on all the questions just to get the test over with faster. Moser agrees with Brianna that students are much more than a test score because success in life comes from many other factors, instead of a standardized test that has information students may never use in their lives again.
Another student, Hunter Gregg, believes the tests are just too long and contain too much information. Gregg says he believes he would have more success if there were smaller tests over longer periods of time. One big test is just too much information for some students to remember.
The students all agreed that the reason for standardized testing is valid and necessary but they all have one thing in common; they wish the tests were presented differently. Another thing these students agree on is that students cannot count themselves out when they do poorly on a standardized test and use that frustration to come back and do even better next time.
