Do Away with Standardized Testing

By Roxanne Cernusca, Sixth Grade
PDL Times
Park Dale Lane Elementary School
Encinitas, California

 

   I solidly believe that we shouldn’t have standardized testing at the end of the year, or we should figure out ways to make the testing easier. Tests are disrupting and annoying. Don’t we take enough tests throughout the year without having all the STAR testing? Our lives would be much easier without the standardized testing.   The standardized testing at the end of the year is not only annoying, but it also does not signify if we are really smart or dumb. Think about it. Since all the tests are at the end of the year, we might forget some important facts that we need for the tests.   The tests are also very overwhelming to kids and adults alike. It takes about two weeks to take all the tests, including makeup tests for those who are absent. When we take the tests, we have to stay in our classrooms, being silent for two hours. We can’t even go to the bathroom during that time. Along with the overwhelming effects, the tests also produce a lot of stress. They are also timed, so some kids might feel rushed and do poorly.   Dr. Patterson says, "We all need to have standardized testing at the end of the year because we all need to be accountable for what we have learned throughout the year."

   My reaction to her statement is, "You’re right, we should all be accountable for what we have learned, but the tests are all jumbled together. Maybe we should split up the tests, so that we have them all throughout the year. That way, there isn’t too much stress."

   There are lots of different ways we can help deal with the problem of having standardized testing at the end of the year. Like I always say, "If you have a good argument, stand up, and don’t be scared to throw that first punch!" Standardized testing is very unjust and shouldn’t all be done at the end of the year.

(Uploaded May 2004)