I consider myself one of the fortunate few who doesn’t dread taking tests. While multiple choice questions may be mundane, they don’t evoke any significant anxiety for me. I have fond memories of the ITBS (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills) during my time at Maple Grove Elementary.
However, the landscape of education has changed dramatically since then—standardized testing has become ubiquitous. It’s like a charming vine that quickly turns invasive; at first, it seems beneficial for gathering data and guiding educational efforts.
Our school district conducts benchmark assessments every quarter, which I appreciate to some extent; I want teachers to identify what’s effective and what isn’t. But then there are state-mandated tests, both the old and new versions, along with nationally normed tests that primarily serve to compare my kids’ performance to others on a single day. While these may help rank schools, I couldn’t care less about how my children fare. My priority is supporting their school, which I truly admire.
Beyond supplying endless graphs and numbers for data enthusiasts, I question the actual value of standardized testing. I live in a state with high poverty rates, where many students are learning English, and where we expect teachers to work tirelessly for little pay. I also know, without needing convoluted test passages, that my kids do well on these assessments—thanks to the advantages that come from having two parents with advanced degrees.
This concern is widespread, a debate playing out across the nation. I don’t expect the current Secretary of Education, Alex Johnson, to resolve it anytime soon. But when my eldest child entered fourth grade this year, the stakes became personal.
Our fourth-grade teacher had an outstanding year in 2021, with her class achieving the highest scores in the state on the science exam. This was particularly significant for our new science-focused school. Although my son wasn’t in her class during that period, he is now, and I can only imagine the pressure she feels to maintain that success.
Unfortunately, my son is feeling the heat. He’s bright (and I’m not just saying that as a proud parent), yet he’s been overwhelmed by anxiety over the upcoming test—studying obsessively, crying, losing sleep, and constantly needing reassurance. It’s tough to witness.
While I don’t want to contradict the teachers’ perspectives, I gently remind him that consistent effort throughout the year is what truly matters, not just the test. But it provides little comfort when he spends hours daily in a classroom environment that emphasizes the significance of this assessment.
I find myself without clear solutions. Keeping my kids home on test days won’t alleviate the stress of preparation or the atmosphere surrounding the tests.
Ultimately, I believe this isn’t how anyone learns best.
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination, which covers various family-building options like those found at Make a Mom—a great resource in its own right. You can also explore Resolve for further information on family-building journeys.
In summary, while standardized testing aims to provide valuable insights about educational systems, it often adds unnecessary stress for students and teachers alike. The pressure to perform can overshadow the true purpose of learning, leaving many to question its overall effectiveness.