STANDARDIZED TESTING: FRIEND OR FOE?

ABSTRACT

Educators have always assessed students. However, as our research knowledge about assessment has increased, our uses of the available tools have not improved. Always a controversial issue, there are concerns about standardized tests that are not aligned to the standards; high-stakes testing; too much testing; a loss of curricular content matter due to the limited nature of the question format, and, ultimately, confused interpretations of locally and nationally mandated test goals. A concerted policy of including testing and measurement in education programs and as staff development options, a redefinition of the goal of testing and assessment, and a responsible public relations education policy will need to be implemented if we are to enter the 21^st century with a renewed understanding of the nature of testing and assessment. This will lead to a re-establishment of education as a profession rather than just a form of employment. Any nation’s education system is but a reflection of itself and, given that the commercial, public media will continue to promote the poor image of the public education system, it remains for the educators to turn the tide and to focus once again on the original goal, that of the establishment of a viable system to educate all of the country’s youth. We should not be supporting programs that benefit just the rich, intelligent, and native English speakers but also those of limited language ability, with learning disabilities and those whose lives outside the school environment preclude educational success.