State standardized
testing cause’s high stress for both teacher and student. The passing of the merit pay bill
causes additional stress on teachers needing to prove their skills to stay
employed and receive better pay. The testing subjects of math, reading, and
science take priority over other important subjects. Students are given limited
learning time to subjects such as history, music, and art that helps develop creativity
and critical thinking skills. I believe standardized testing is a contributing
factor with teachers willing to slack in the other subjects not covered.
Students struggle as they try to meet the standard against an allotment of time
pre-set for each subject/section of the test that is deemed suitable for all
learners. With both teachers and students drilling over practice tests, it is leaving
minimal time to identify different learning styles on an individual basis. The
state standardized testing scores fall into three different categories: Below
Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. The goal to have all students test at a proficient
level or higher is also causing other students to not reach their full learning
potential. It is possible for students who score “below basic” receive more
attention on an individual basis with subject specific assigned educators. The state standardized flawed testing method is
controversial at best.
