Shelby's Question

Shelby's Question: How is standardized testing detrimental to the classroom?

Standardized testing takes away from valuable class time. This week, students will be missing four periods a day for three days while taking the MCAS test. These hours will be lost to standardized testing, not to mention the numerous hours devoted to preparing for the exam. Teachers must spend time teaching students various test strategies in addition to preparing them for the material.

By teaching students to these standardized tests, teachers are being limited as to what they can teach in the classroom. Curricula are developed with testing in mind, leaving out exciting, valuable material to include test prep time. Teachers are asked to prepare their students for the MCAS by adjusting their tests and projects to incorporate aspects of the standardized test for more practice.

Students also have a difficult time responding to the demands of the tests. Many students do not like being told that they have to take a test because it is mandatory. Although students have to do a lot of things they might not necessarily want to do, the demanding nature of the MCAS leaves them feeling angry and frustrated. The length of the test and the highly controlled atmosphere can become suffocating and unbearable for young teenagers.

Do you think there is a better way to assess whether or not a student is ready to graduate than by taking the MCAS or other state comprehension assessment?