Grand Rapids Parent University

Pros & Cons of Testing

Where do you stand?

Standardized testing can be a controversial topic among parents, teachers, and voters. Some say that standardized testing is the best way to accurately evaluate student performance and teacher effectiveness. Others believe that standardized tests put unnecessary stress on students and provide skewed or even biased results. What do YOU think, as a GRPS parent or caregiver? Regardless of where you stand, it is interesting and worthwhile to get informed on some common arguments for and against standardized testing.

Before we dive into the pros and cons of standardized testing, check out these fun facts! Did you know??

A Controversial Subject

PBS developed this great chart to help parents and caregivers understand the issues surrounding standardized testing. Read what the advocates and critics have to say on some of the major topics and decide for yourself where you stand on these issues.

 

ISSUE PROS: What test supporters say CONS: What test critics say
Fairness, civil rights

Advocates say that testing all students is the best way to measure how effective schools are, and that state or local content standards ensure that all students are learning the same curriculum. Supporters also believe that disadvantaged students can be better served by holding their schools accountable when they perform poorly on tests.

Critics say that tests can contain culturally biased content that may be unfamiliar to people from minoritized groups and recent immigrants. Also, for students with learning disabilities or who process information differently, the test itself (be it multiple choice or short answer format) may be unfair. Critics also say that tests do not adequately measure student and school performance, and that judging (and in some cases punishing) schools with low test scores results in even fewer resources for the students who need them most.
What the tests test

Advocates say that developing and administering tests that measure students’ knowledge against learning standards will ensure that all students are capable in key areas.

Critics say that many tests created for use across the entire US may not include content emphasized at the state level, resulting in students being tested on material they have not been taught.