Standardized Testing Does Not Show Intelligence

[Story by Megan Inscoe and Hazel Nguyen]

Standardized testing originated in the mid-1800s and has been a vital part of education since. The topic of whether or not standardized testing should still be used in schools has sparked controversy, because many people have mixed feelings on whether standardized testing actually shows the intelligence of a student or not. Some students favor standardized testing, stereotypically the ones who are good test takers. However, many students who prefer other forms of tests tend to struggle with memorization. There are many reasons for both sides of the argument over whether standardized testing should still be used in classrooms.

Many people don’t think standardized testing is the right way to judge someone’s general knowledge of a topic/subject. A huge reason for this is because some people perceive standardized testing to be a way to test one’s ability of memorization, not how much someone actually knows of the subject.

“Standardized tests are not accurate measures of students’ intelligence since they require more of the ability to memorize simple information than they require the ability to problem solve and learn,”said junior Kaylee Parker.

Other grade levels also believe that standardized testing is more about memorization than measuring a students’ academic ability.

“I don’t think that standardized testing is useful because it does not necessarily show a students intelligence, it simply shows more of a students ability to memorize rather than understand,” said freshman Tanvi Bheemanakunta.

Students believe that standardized testing can be replaced with other more accurate forms of testing, since this type of testing can mess with their mental health by giving them a lot of stress and anxiety. Some students have a harder time studying and paying attention while learning material. Standardized tests can stress people out so much because they are put under pressure. Some students experience studying for hours on end and still facing immense anxiety while testing.

“I think that standardized testing does have an effect on your mental health because it can cause someone to stress over something that does not necessarily define their intelligence,” Bheemanakunta said.

Parker thinks because of the mental toll standardized tests can have on someone they should be replaced with an alternative.

“Standardized tests should be replaced with tests/projects that use more open ended questions or issues, so that students can show the information they know without being judged on whether or not they know obscure facts,” Parker said.

Colleen Hilliker, who’s been teaching art for 13 years and is teaching Art 1, Art 3, Photography and Drawing & Painting this year, said, “Sure, I think there are some subjects that students should have a basic understanding of but I don’t know if it’s imperative that all students take an exam on something that they may not utilize in the future. For example, if I were to take an Algebra 1 SOL today, I am pretty sure I would not pass. But ask me about artists and the time periods they worked and how their art was representational of that time. Ask me how the ISO can affect the aperture or shutter speed needed to take a well exposed photograph. Because I don’t know what √27x9y3z6 written in the simplest radical form is, does that mean I’m not intelligent and can’t be successful?”

Other students like standardized testing and think it’s a fair way to judge someone’s intelligence. Also, the familiarity, since it’s been used for many years, is another reason people think the public school system should keep it. Standardized testing can be good for those who do well under pressure and remember the material really well. It’s also much easier for those with a bunch of time on their hands, like students who don’t do an after school activity or ones who go to study groups.

“I do slightly like standardized testing because it helps me understand my level of general knowledge,” said sophomore Calyna Chen. “Studying for standardized tests might have helped me with studying for other tests but overall the content is different so it doesn’t help too much.”

Hilliker adds, “I can see how it would be beneficial for teachers to get an idea of where their students are struggling or excelling with the content. They can then use that information to alter lesson plans and pacing.”

The debate regarding standardized testing will continue for a very long time. While the people who like standardized testing want to keep things the way they are. Others, who are against this kind of testing, want to change the way our intelligence is measured. Students will never come to a full agreement. In the future, the way students take tests may change, if enough people support changing the test taking process. For now, students will take standardized tests like they always have.