Why Standardized Testing Is Important Argumentative Essay

Standardized tests may not be fun, but there’s a reason why states do them. But wait a second, what is standardized testing? Standardized testing, also known as state tests, are exams that are designed to measure the intelligence and abilities of children ages 8-16. But, people have very strong opinions about whether these tests are worth it or not. State testing is beneficial because it helps adults know how to aid their children, it can help to hold the kids accountable and assist them in their improvement, and can guarantee that all public schools have a quality education.

First, state testing helps adults pinpoint how to best help their children. For example, a teacher may have told a parent that their child is struggling, but the parent is unsure how to help and what to help with. Standardized test results can show the parent and teacher what the student is really wrestling with and because of this, they can get the help they need. In the article, “Pro & Con Quotes: Do standardized tests Improve Education in America?” by ProCon.org, it describes, “State standardized exams help parents, educators, and policymakers understand which kids are on track - who is falling behind - so that the adults can act accordingly to better meet students’ needs.” (ProCon.org) This implies that standardized tests can help adults understand how to best help their children. In the text, “Bless the Tests” it says, “Most parents, for example, would like to know whether their child is meeting state benchmarks, or how she compares to statewide peers. Statewide standardized exams give parents this important information.” (Churchill) This shows that by taking state tests, parents can know whether their student is meeting standards and helps them get a deeper understanding of what their child really needs. As is shown, these tests extremely benefit adults and parents in knowing how to best assist their children. 

Next, state testing can help the students know where they are at and hold them accountable as they improve. Without these tests, students would have nothing to work towards. They also wouldn’t know whether they should be working harder and if they are falling behind. But with state tests, students can set standards for themselves and work to achieve them. The editorial, “Do Standardized Tests Improve Education in America?,” states, “My own children attend schools that use testing to set goals and measure progress rather than consider it a punishment.” (ProCon.org) This piece of evidence shows that students can use testing to set objectives for themselves and work to attain them. In the article, “Why We Should Stop Bashing State Tests,” Grant Wiggins wrote, “There simply can not be genuine accountability unless state assessments provide transparent feedback.” (Wiggins) This author is expressing that exams encourage kids to be liable and work hard. Evidently, standardized tests are beneficial because they hold students accountable and encourage them to set goals and work to achieve them.

Last, state exams help guarantee that all US students receive standard schooling. Believe it or not, not all public schools get an equal, quality education. But having these standardized tests can help by comparing schools to see what ones are falling behind and what ones need extra help. The essay, “State Testing Frequently Asked Questions” reveals that, “Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students receive a quality education, no matter where they go to school, because they are measured to equal standards.” (K12) This evidence suggests that the tests help because they all have equal standards. So no matter what other teachers teach or what other test standards may say, all the standardized exams are measured equally. In the text, “EXPLAINED: What Are Standardized Tests and Why Do We Need Them?” Laura Waters explains, “Some school districts use standardized diagnostic tests several times a year to drill down on what individual students are learning.” (Waters) This author is showing that schools use state tests to use as a comparison against other schools to see if all schools are learning equally with a quality education. Clearly, state tests are important because they bring a standard education to all schools.

In contrast, Others may believe that state testing isn’t beneficial because it doesn’t provide a true picture of the students’ abilities. While that may be true, students should not be defined just by their test scores. “Schools and parents should always look at standardized tests not as a value judgment on the student, but as an additional data point that can provide some perspective on student learning.” Therefore, schools should continue doing state tests because adults can recognize all the aspects of what a student knows.

In closing, Standardized testing is important because it helps adults pinpoint how to best help their children, it helps the students know where they are at and holds them accountable as they improve, and can guarantee that all US public students receive the same, good, education. With these students as our future leaders, it would benefit all society to continue state tests.