Standardized tests dominate the American education system, but are they really helping students succeed? More and more evidence suggests the opposite.
Instead of improving learning, testing has created problems that harm students, teachers, and schools. Weeks of class time disappear into test prep. Students face overwhelming stress. Teachers are judged by scores rather than authentic teaching. And the biggest issue? Tests amplify inequality students from wealthy families consistently score higher, while underprivileged students are left behind.
This isn’t just unfair, it’s unsustainable. Standardized testing problems reflect systemic issues in how we measure learning. Experts are calling for alternatives real assessments that show what students actually know and can do, like projects, portfolios, and performance-based evaluations.
It’s time to rethink how much power we give to these tests. For more insights, read Lonnie Palmer’s full article: Standardized Testing Problems in Public Schools
