4 of 8

Write now Article Tools

How standardized tests impact teaching and learning

Standardized testing in the US is the outgrowth of the No Child Left Behind Act and has had an impact on teaching that is contrary to good teaching. In an effort to improve American education, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law by President Bush in 2002. This act was meant to improve the already existing law of 1965 or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

The NCLB act is extensive and one of the requirements of the act is standardized testing. But each state devises its own standardized testing. Standardized testing does not mean that every school in every state gives the same test to their students. Each state has to present a plan for education within their state that incorporates all the elements of NCLB, including standardized testing. So each state's plan may be totally different with different criteria and objectives, although meeting the mandates of NCLB. it is rather a complicated process.

The main objective of the act with regard to standardized testing is that there is continuous and recognizable improvement in test scores and that students are meeting the federal criteria for their state.

The main objective for states to improve their school systems is funding. If schools can't show an improvement in testing scores, the school may get less funding or no funding.

Standardized testing is not new to education, but with the NCLB act, states and schools are scrambling for funding and therefore making stringent requirements for both students and teachers.

Standardized tests such as the SAT tests, IQ tests, and various types of aptitude tests have been around for a long time. Teachers have routinely made up their own standardized testing. Teachers like testing their students to see how well the students have measured up to what they are teaching and how students measure up to each other.

However, with too much emphasis on standardized testing and not understanding that special needs children need their own kind of standardized tests, the system is becoming skewed. Also, cultural and language differences may require standardized tests for the specific culture rather than standardized tests for the entire school population.

Teachers rather than teaching are preparing students for their standardized tests. Instead of creating a class that is vibrant in learning teachers are giving practice tests at intervals, and having students practice test-taking

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How standardized tests impact how teachers teach?
We want to hear your view. Write now!