Chinemere Njoku, Photo Editor • August 20, 2023
In the evolving world of education, one term seems to constantly stir up mixed emotions among students, parents, and educators alike: standardized testing. It has become an integrated part of modern education systems, aiming to measure students’ academic abilities and provide the standard for educational performance. However, standardized testing has increasingly revealed its damaging effects on students, leaving a trail of mental health challenges, creating unhealthy competition, and imposing overwhelming stress.
In a room filled with students that prepare to tackle an arrangement of multiple-choice questions and are challenged to write essays using three to four sources, each question designed to “measure their worth as learners.” This is the standardized test that reduces students to a score.
Standardized testing roots back to ancient China, nearly 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, where the imperial civil service exams were conducted to select public officials. The United States later adopted the concept of the standardized test in the mid-1800s and under The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to measure and evaluate educational progress and ensure every student had access to equal education opportunities. The idea was to use standardized tests to determine how schools performed against national averages. Over time, the focus shifted from assessing individual students to ranking schools and districts based on the score of the students, which ultimately led to the creation of tests like the SAT, ACT, and state-mandated examinations, which dehumanized the entire idea.
The generalized impact is that standardized testing places a boundless burden on many students, who many times feel pressured to perform very well and live up to societal expectations they are expected to have. The harsh emphasis on test scores contributes to anxiety, stress, and even depression among students. The fear of failure shadowing the joy of learning impedes overall educational development. High-stakes testing can have long-lasting impacts on mental well-being, resulting in decreased motivation, lower self-esteem, and a narrowing of the curriculum.
The unintended consequence of standardized testing is the creation of an unhealthy competitive atmosphere. Students are polarized, as their worth is measured based on their test scores. This environment fosters a sense of rivalry rather than collaboration. Students resort to unethical practices, such as cheating, as the pressure to beat their peers intensifies. This remorseless environment reduces the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth and shines a light on pursuing higher scores.
The force of standardized testing places immense stress on students, often overshadowing the joy of learning. Preparing for a standardized test becomes an all-consuming task. This results in a narrowing curriculum prioritizing rote memorization and test-taking strategies over critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students are left exhausted and deprived of a full education that prepares them for the challenges of the real world.
While it’s true that some students perform well on standardized tests, it’s important to recognize that these scores don’t define their overall educational success or intellect. Standardized testing places excessive pressure on students, limiting their ability to think critically and creatively. Then, the immediate focus on test preparation comes at the expense of a well-rounded education, neglecting other world applications. The high-stakes nature of these tests can lead to anxiety and stress, impairing students’ mental well-being. Therefore, despite students achieving positive results, the harmful consequences of standardized testing on their total development cannot be neglected.
Standardized testing must undergo a test of its own to address its harmful impact on students. These tests should also start to consider students’ strengths and talents. They must also consider students’ socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, as standardized testing often perpetuates educational inequities. Students of color or with a language barrier, who may face additional socio-economic challenges, often carry the brunt of the system’s biases and discriminatory practices. It is vital to implement more inclusive testing methods that consider the diversity of students so that these tests can truly provide equal opportunities for success.
