What's wrong with standardized tests?

A growing rebellion against the overuse and misuse of standardized tests is sweeping the nation. In Texas, New York, Chicago, Florida and elsewhere, teachers, principals, school boards, parents, students, researchers and others are saying “enough is enough” to test-and-punish policies like No Child Left Behind. The federal NCLB and other state-imposed high-stakes testing policies have failed to improve our schools and, according to the National Research Council, have caused harm by increasing high school dropout rates. Our misguided national testing craze has squeezed out art, music, sports, social studies and science, even recess, and turned too many classrooms into test preparation centers. It's time for a new direction.

If you share these concerns, here are two things you can do. First, join the nearly 14,000 individuals and 475 organizations that have signed the National Resolution on High Stakes Testing. Second, join the rapidly growing numbers of people who are sharing FairTest’s infographic,“What’s wrong with standardized tests?” Share it on Facebook, twitter, email or on old-fashioned paper handouts.  

If you aren’t yet concerned but want to know what the fuss is about, check out the infographic. If you want to learn more, visit the FairTest web site for fact sheets, reports and other materials.

 

What's wrong with standardized tests?