Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests

1. Pros and Cons of Standardized
Tests
By: Rebecca Lowry Superintendent

2. Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests
A school psychologist for Cumberland Therapies, former school superintendent Rebecca Lowry spent
more than a decade holding executive-level positions in various school districts in the United States.
Immediately before her current role, Rebecca Lowry served as the superintendent of Westmoreland
County Public Schools in Virginia, where she was responsible for improving academic programs,
directing administrators, and boosting student performance.

3. Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests
Many schools rely on standardized tests to see if they are impacting student performance.
Standardized tests provide parents and teachers with a good benchmark of student performance in the
class, city, and country. By comparing individuals students to this benchmark, parents and teachers
can determine where students may be rising ahead or falling behind.

4. Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are also used to provide guidelines for the curriculum. This ensures that classroom
material remains consistent across all classes and schools. Further, standardized tests eliminate
possible grading biases of teachers, thus preventing subjective grading of students.

5. Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests
Despite these positives, standardized tests create major stress for students, who feel pressured to
perform well. When students perform poorer than expected, new issues emerge. Low test scores
lower student confidence and create a negative attitude toward tests and school.

6. Pros and Cons of Standardized Tests
Teachers are also affected by standardized tests and often feel inclined to teach to the test instead
of making sure students fully understand the subjects in class. As a result, classroom
environments become dull and devoid of creativity.