do u agree with standardized tests?

Question

i just want want your opinions. just remember that these tests determine your class placement and whether or not u pass that grade.

Answer 1

It seems to get the job done. Can't complain. It doesn't really effect me when I really look at it.

Answer 2

Unfortunately standardized tests are more of a game than they are a method for testing knowledge and accomplishment. There are often cultural biases in standardized testing that causes minorities and forigners to do poorly in verbal areas of the test.

Having said that, failing the verbal parts of the test indicate that you lack the tools to be competitive in the American business marketplace. Unfortunately failing the test is used as an indication of the lack of intelligence. When I was in high school, there was this guy who was from china who was put in all remedial classes simply because he didnt understand the culture. He knew mathematics as good as anyone could and it would baffle the administrative staff. They originally wrote him off as being "stupid" because he did poorly in english and history, even though he managed to do very well in the science and math classes..

All in all I think that standardized testing is important, however, that should not be the final determination of someone's potential. On the SAT's I understood analogies very well. But I never understood what the words on the test meant. If the question asked, "Cassette tapes are to CD's as VHS tapes are to______". By knowing what these items are, I can clearly show that I understand the concept of analogies. But if the question asked, "Effornation is to Utilvising as Walking is to______." So now this makes me ask if I am being tested on my vocabulary or am I being tested on the analogies... Or am I really being tested on both?

But then if I were to consider a word math problem that says, "A man walks 72 steps per city block. If he has to walk 12 blocks, how many steps will he have to take?" In a situation like this, if the problem was presented as 72x12= It would be easy to answer. This has somewhat of a cultural bias, however, it is still important to know how to turn a real world problem into math formula.

Answer 3

Im from California and the standardized tests, (CAT 6), that we take does not determine our class placement or if we pass that grade. I know thats a big misconception here in CA.

I personally don't agree with them only because they are too easy. And for anyone worried about failing them, well you probably shouldn't pass a grade if you can't pass these test.

As for the SAT's, my mom who is on the admissions board at UCLA, doesn't even agree with them, but she feels that they are the best thing to be used in order to compare students. She thinks that until something better comes along then the SAT will have to do.

Answer 4

A well planned test would include pertinent questions that cover important class material and concepts. If you dont know enough to do certain things, you shouldnt be passed on, it wont be a good thing for anyone involved least of all you. The standardized testing system covers the minimal amount of knowlege you need in a way that is quick and easy to test and grade, and by taking the test you are preparing yourself, in theory