When I was in college, a newbie at this whole education thing, I thought standardized testing was pointless. But what's the alternative? Even the collegiate system uses a standardized test (SAT, ACT, etc.) to determine acceptance into their universities and colleges. Some professions outside of education require employees and potential employees to take tests in order to determine your skills and abilities to perform well in that business. Unfortunately, I can't come up with anything more fair than a standardized test. It's a test that is the same for everyone and everyone must take it.
This is how I explain it to my kids... I make you work really hard in my Algebra class. You have to learn something everyday. We take difficult quizzes and tests. I don't just give you free grades. However, a teacher at a different school may give their students participation grades for everything. So they really aren't learning Algebra, but on paper they are probably make really really good grades. Is it fair for them to graduate with the same degree you get it when you had to work so much harder? Is it fair for them to take your spot at a college or university because their grades may look better than yours? Standardized tests hold everyone accountable - teachers, students, and parents. Teachers have to teach the material, students have to learn the material, and the parents need to support both. I have spent countless hours thinking about what the alternative would be or could be. I draw a blank.
With all that being said, it's not fun watching my students take a five hour test. We had two days of testing for the English 1 and 2 EOC test. Students were given five hours each day to complete a reading portion, essay portion, and short answer section. Ugh! It was a LONG day. I was exhausted, and I am sure my kids were exhausted too. So after testing for two days, Andy and I decided to go out to eat an extra night this week as a treat for surviving the first round of tests. :)
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