Unraveling Prejudice in Education

Again and again, the dispute on whether or not standardized tests corrupt our understanding of education is rising. Education has deviated from its basic principles, which is to grow our understanding of the universe and its intricacies. However, in recent years the principles of education have taken a backseat as “education” has evolved into a journey for good grades rather than the genuine interest to learn and cultivate wisdom, which is speculated to be caused by standardized tests.

A standardized test is a methodical examination used to measure a person's proficiency in an aspect. These tests are issued under rigid circumstances to guarantee honesty among test-takers. Standardized tests have a predetermined grading scheme.

An issue with standardized tests is the cultural bias embedded within them. According to the University of North Carolina Greensboro, these tests tend to discriminate against students from different cultural backgrounds. For example, tests may include references to topics that may be unfamiliar or completely unknown to many students, placing them at a significant disadvantage compared to students who understand the references mentioned.

Moreover, according to the National Education Association, most standardized tests have focused on the wrong ideas. Instead of cultivating skills necessary to survive in the real world, they place a significant amount of emphasis on test-taking strategies and memorization. Although these techniques may help students acquire decent grades on the test, the ASCD argues that they fail to equip what they learn in real life situations. Tests have focused more on achieving acceptable grades instead of actually acquiring knowledge that will be useful in the future.

Considering the emphasis placed on students to achieve acceptable grades on their tests, most test-takers have suffered from stress and anxiety induced by standardized tests. According to The International School Agra, the stress and anxieties these students have to face may lead to students receiving less than satisfactory grades. Despite all of this, these grades are used to measure their abilities when the stress and anxieties placed upon them hinder their ability to think and process information adequately. Is it fair to assess a young person’s capabilities solely based on their performance on a test conducted in a stress- and anxiety-inducing environment?

Though we ought to not steal light from the opposing stance as there is a reason that the standardized testing system was created in the first place. The standardized testing system was originally founded in the United States in the early 20th century to address concerns about fairness and objectivity in assessing students' knowledge and skills. Standardized tests were produced to offer a uniform and consistent measure of student performance, to deliver every individual the right to do well in their studies.

According to the National Test Prep Association, the standardized testing system equips an equivalent and uniform measure for every individual. Standardized tests offer students an equal chance of thriving, despite their backgrounds, as they will all receive the same test. Standardized tests are reliable and valid which promotes and displays equity.

Additionally, the Center for American Progress argues that it is a time-efficient system. For example, universities mark applications while utilizing the same grading criteria. Providing students with different tests may require additional time and would become impractical. Furthermore, there are now automated systems to mark tests, though they are only able to function when all of the tests that need to be marked have the same criteria to check out. Being efficient with time means that students will be able to make decisions regarding their college or university decision within a reasonable timeframe.

Ultimately, the Seton Testing Services assert that standardized tests ease the process of comparing the results on various papers. For example, measuring the effectiveness of certain schools, by comparing their test results with other schools, would be made less challenging if they used standardized tests. Comparing standardized tests would be easier, as they are consistent and provide benchmarks. They provide quantifiable data amongst tests, which help figures of authority make decisions regarding the education system.

In conclusion, standardized tests have been portrayed as a villain as they incorporate cultural biases, focus on the wrong ideas, and disregard test anxieties. Regardless, the other side of the argument sees standardized tests as a hero for they equip fair measures, save time, and easen the process of comparing data.