Do you believe that there are too many tests in school systems these days? I live in Massachusetts, and my highschool has many tests, and standardised tests, which completely decide our fates after high school. Some of the candidates for governor are pushing to add more tests, and i don't know if i could stand any more and i'm a pretty good student. What do you think?
2006-09-06 14:50:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Yes, there are far too many tests for both students and teachers!
2006-09-06 14:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by Margaret 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there are many different ways to look at this. More tests give a better estimate of where students really are. Personally I enjoyed testing. It was a way to show what you really know. Some kids have a hard time testing however, things like slow reading, not enough sleep, psychological reasons can all contribute to bad testing. For those people it can really be a headache. I guess that testing isn't all bad, but there should be a limit on mandatory tests. Like you should only have to take 2 standardized tests a year unless you want to take more. Like the ACT isn't mandatory, but colleges now pretty much require it. If you aren't going to college though, there is no reason to take this test. I guess it all depends on what you are striving for.
I'm going to say this, tests are yes a major factor in college picking, but other than that, there isn't much other use for them other than the government to assess where their students are academically. Unfortunately there aren't any tests to assess physical or psychological aspects of a student which sometimes can be a huge factor in the success of the student in the outside world. That means that however you do on tests good, bad or otherwise it's not quite the determining factor of your life. You will have many opportunities to prove your intellect and work ethics. Don't stress too much about these tests.
2006-09-06 22:06:01 · answer #2 · answered by jmk_jenmarie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before complaining about too many tests in your school system, consider that there are school systems out there that are much worse in comparison. Some school systems purely base a student's mark and evaluation on the tests alone - and preparing for such exams IS stressful, no doubt about it.
Although one can fault the system for many reasons, the important of tests will always remain. Be it one or several, they are important and essential for gauging a student's progress and understanding of the subject. If you claim to be a good student then you shouldn't be having a problem with the numerous tests, which ultimately should do more good than harm for you.
2006-09-06 22:19:05 · answer #3 · answered by BJ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. It depends on how the teachers handle it. They shouldn't push the kids to do well on the tests and teach them stuff to learn how to properly "guess" the test, but teach them what they should know, and this should easily translate to good test scores (I would hope!) The kids can't be stressed if they barely know the test is coming, so if a standardized test is coming up, they shouldn't know about it until a day or two before. Teachers and schools shouldn't tell the students "These are big tests and you've gotta do well" . Maybe when they have them in front of them they should use the no-pressure approach to it "Do the best that you can on these tests. They won't affect your grades, but just help us know what we can teach better."
Overstudying for this stuff and trying to learn the methods is overrated. I went into the SATs not even knowing what they were or what they were for, and didn't study for them or learn little techniques or whatever. I felt no pressure, and didn't waste tons of time studying, and did fine.
2006-09-06 22:01:52 · answer #4 · answered by IAskUAnswer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I believe there is too much emphasis on tests.
I mean, in one month's time, I had to take 3 AP exams, the SAT, the 3 SAT Subject tests, and two state tests so that I could get more verified credits, which I need to graduate. And then I was still stuck taking tests in class and writing papers outside of school at the same time.
They shouldn't make the people who are in honors or above take the state tests. We're smart enough to pass without them.
2006-09-06 22:00:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that there is too much emphasis on high stakes testing. This is especially difficult for children who have test anxiety, are English language learners, or have a disability--physical or intellectual--that makes test taking difficult. So much testing is also a waste of valuable instructional time. There are other more accurate and humane ways to find out what students are learning, but maybe that is not the real reason we have so many tests. (Many other countries do not have so many tests, yet do well.)
2006-09-06 21:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by SaavyProf 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funny question given that Massachusetts has the best school system in the entire country.
2006-09-06 21:55:03 · answer #7 · answered by redman9250 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i totally agree with u!! i get straight As and everything, but these tests r insane!! i think it is just way to much.
2006-09-06 21:57:38 · answer #8 · answered by SHABOOYA! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I think you're a whiner. I don't think the tests are NEARLY stressful enough.
2006-09-06 21:57:31 · answer #9 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i agree completely. way too many! i cant even count them all!
2006-09-06 21:56:23 · answer #10 · answered by Jesuslovesyou! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋