The Importance of Standardized Testing Argumentative Essay

Standardized testing has been very prominent for all students. Though it is significantly important, high school students dread taking these tests. Some of the factors that make standardized testing so appalling include the immense amount of studying, the countless nights of distress, and ultimately, the pressure to succeed. However, these tests may present a lot of benefits that can pave the way for many students’ futures. Standardized testing according to the Gale In Context Online Collection is, “An examination given to students in a consistent manner. All students must answer the same questions, and the test is administered and scored in the same way,” (“Standardized Testing” 1). Though standardized testing may not seem very appealing for students, the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages. The way that standardized testing works is that everyone is given the same test and graded the same fair way. There will be no bias and no different questions. Though the public image of standardized testing consists of sitting hours taking a test and being unenjoyable to prepare for, the benefits of the testing such as fairness, accurate assessments, and performing better on college admissions tests may make taking the test worthwhile in the long run. 

The way in which standardized tests are given and graded leaves no room for unfairness. Those that grade the tests, will usually be people who have experience, proper training, and will most likely have no relationship with the students which will avoid bias as much as possible. If teachers were to grade standardized tests, Gale In Context states, “Because they are developed by independent experts, standardized tests also tend to be more objective than tests that teachers create and administer directly to their own students. As a result, standardized tests yield a less potentially biased measure of students’ abilities,” (“Standardized Testing'' 1). Teachers can build personal relationships with students throughout the entire year, and no matter how much they deny it, there will most likely be a favorite, leading to a higher chance of biased grading. Standardized testing however is different. Since bias is avoided and prevented when standardized tests are graded, these tests are a true representation of a student’s academic performance which helps them to focus on areas of improvement. Standardized testing is also important for accountability. Posted on the International Journal of Research, Dr. Syeda Rakhshandra Kaukab, and Syeda Mehrunnisa state, “They have proved an important tool for teachers, school administrators, and education officials,” (Kaukab and Mehrunnisa 129). They allow students to see and assess what they have learned. Also from a teacher’s perspective, they will see the areas of improvement that need more or less focus in their curriculum. Social scientist, Brian M Stecher, agrees stating that standardized tests, “Signal important content to teachers so that they can improve instruction. Identify learning that is below what is expected of students, thus motivating students,” (Stecher 82). This is a win-win situation for both sides. Teachers will in turn improve their curriculum, therefore, students will learn pertinent material. 

Many will argue that GPAs are a better measuring tool than standardized testing. Elaine M. Allensworth and Kallie Clark from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research argue that GPAs are more reliable in measuring college grades and preparation. In their report, they state, “The fact that grades are based on a wide range of factors, with judgment from many different teachers, makes them potentially highly variable across contexts,” (Allensworth and Clack 3). Looking closely at the diction used in the sentence, it shows uncertainty. There is no fact to back it up. Now according to Richard P. Phelps, a researcher, “Many research studies on educational testing dating back to the early part of the 19th century have compared different teachers’ evaluations of identical student work… researchers found a wide variance from teacher to teacher,” (Phelps 2). The same piece of work was deemed excellent by some and not even passing by others. With this wide of a range, GPAs are in no way accurate in predicting college readiness compared to standardized tests. Standardized tests are more accurate, therefore, colleges have been utilizing this type of assessment tool as a gold standard since 1926 (Kaukab and Mehrunnisa 127). 

AP exams, being one of the standardized tests, is one of the main ways to accurately assess students’ knowledge of the class. Benefits of scoring higher on the exam include receiving college credits, financial incentives, and the potential to graduate early. They not only measure one’s understanding of the course material but also act as a good indicator for their success in other major tests such as the SAT. The College Board conducted a study examining the relationship between AP exam scores and SAT scores. The results stated, “We find evidence that a positive benefit of AP on SAT performance increases notably with higher performance on the AP exam, particularly for students scoring 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exams” (McKillip and Rawls 314). With a better score, students show a trend of performing better on other tests. On the other hand, students that score a one on the exam tend to be worse or about the same in their SAT performance (McKillip and Rawls 314). The researchers also investigated various factors that could affect the relationship between AP exams and SAT scores. The two factors were the number of concurrent AP classes and previous achievement level of the student (McKillip and Rawls 316). Results showed that both factors showed no conclusive correlation between the two exams which supports that the AP exams effectively measure students’ knowledge of the course which is minimally affected by outside factors. Even though standardized tests themselves do not guarantee the potential perks that are listed, we can feel secure and confident that our works will be assessed accurately and fairly as long as we are motivated and diligent about putting forth the required effort. 

Although it may seem like standardized tests are there for no reason or just give too much stress, they can have many benefits to students. Each student will be graded equally with no bias. Teachers are able to modify and adjust their curriculum accordingly based on the results of standardized tests. Opposers of standardized tests say that it is not as effective as predicting college grades, but evidence proves that these tests are more accurate and reliable. Finally, those that are exposed to different standardized tests like AP exams are proven to perform better on college admissions tests. All of these points benefit students, it allows them to be assessed correctly and provides some indication for their future in college. For these reasons, standardized testing is an absolute benefit and opportunity for students in high school. This will continue to open doors for students who are willing to put in the work and not give up. They don’t have to worry about being graded or assessed unfairly and unequally. Standardized tests aren’t perfect however they are the best tools we have available for us to succeed in the future.