Standardized Testing for Primary Schools

Students in primary and elementary schools in the United States take more standardized tests than students in other industrialized nations, writing at least one standardized test each year between Grade Three and Grade Eight. Students in the U.S. may also spend up to 50 hours writing standardized tests each year. In spite of this, American students tend to score lower on international tests compared to their global counterparts. In some cases, results from standardized tests may be used to hold students back from progressing to a higher grade. Results from tests may also directly affect how much a teacher is paid.

Difficulties

Standardized testing is currently a source of controversy within the American education system. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act increased standardized testing in American elementary schools with the goal of ensuring that all public schools offered a high standard of education to students across the U.S. Unfortunately, this has led to some concerns from parents, educators, school boards, and the students themselves. Critics wonder if the stakes of standardized testing aren’t too high; schools that perform well are eligible to receive more funding from the state and are also given more autonomy over their operations. Others wonder whether standardized tests, which are often multiple choice, can actually capture the broad spectrum of students’ capabilities. Another problem is that teachers may find themselves structuring much of their teaching around the test – thereby reducing creativity and dynamism in the classroom. Finally, one aspect of testing that is highly critiqued is that it cuts into learning time. Students in Texas, for instance, spend between 29 and 45 days each year taking tests. As a result, they are taught less.

Advantages

In spite of opinions to the contrary, standardized testing does have some advantages. For one, it’s a measurable way of holding students and teachers accountable for learning. Standardized tests also offer proven guidelines and structure for learning. Teachers can see when students should learn what and how learning progresses. The testing process also enables comparison between students across the United States, in various states and districts. Districts or states that score poorly may receive attention and resources to improve.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is given in American public schools to identify student abilities and achievements in core subjects. Elementary and primary schools must use the NAEP in order to receive federal funding, as mandated by federal legislation. The NAEP is administered by the United States Department of Education, more specifically by the National Center for Education Statistics within the Institution of Education Sciences (IES). The results of the NAEP are used to identify national student progress in an annual report called The Nation’s Report Card. Statistics may be broken down by region, gender, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, or other demographic factors; however, results from individual students are not disseminated. The test has been used since 1969 and has been deemed reliable and valid through research.