The Debate Over Standardized Testing Offers No Easy Answers
Especially in test-heavy New York, Students can become overwhelmed by the amount of standardized assessments, which start in third grade. Photo: Nafisa Haque
By NAFISA HAQUE and JASON LIU
You are likely already well aware of that sinking feeling in your stomach when you are about to take a test, regardless of how much you prepared.
In New York, public school students start with state tests in elementary and middle school, advance to the SHSAT in 8th grade, and as high schoolers, go through the PSAT, SAT, ACT, Regents, AP exams, and the end-of-year course exams that most teachers love to stack on.
The integrity of these tests is sometimes questioned, and many have started to wonder if this testing culture is worth all the stress and hassle.
“I think the system used to get into specialized high schools isn’t fair,” Bolanle Orioke ‘22 said. “Judging a kid based on one score isn’t fair.”
Covid-19 forced many colleges to go test-optional or test-blind, leaving many stressed students in relief.
“Without the need to submit my SAT score, I can go through applying to college much more confidently,” Francisco Rodriguez ‘22 said. “My SAT score is not indicative of my potential.”
Mr. Alan Stack, the Assistant Principal of Administration said that “as bad as the pandemic is, I am hoping more schools start to see test-optional as the way to go.”
Colleges already take many factors into consideration when looking at applicants. Most admission officers take a holistic approach, and since going SAT-optional will force students to focus more on their extracurriculars, they might now have opportunities to find what they love instead of spending money and time on SAT prep.
Critics of standardized testing say it cannot be an accurate measure for intelligence if students, especially those of higher income, can achieve a higher score through tutoring.
“I don’t think the test assesses your intelligence because people may be good test-takers and bad test-takers,” junior Kimberly Liu added. “To be honest, acing a test is somewhat based on luck.”
Students wait outside Midwood to take the SAT on March 24. Photo: Ifaz Howlader
There is some doubt about how good standardized tests are at indicating ability and college readiness. According to new research done by the University of Chicago Consortium Researchers, GPAs are a better indicator, since it is harder to maintain a high GPA, especially with difficult classes, than it is to retake the SAT multiple times until you get a desirable score.
Instead of using tests like the SHSAT to determine which schools we get into, Orioke believes that “the overall performance of a student throughout the years should be put into consideration.”
However, as NYC public schools consider whether to get rid of all screens and testing to make admission to “gifted” schools lottery-based, many students and educators are also wondering if the backlash against standardized testing has gone too far.
If screens and testing for “gifted” schools are considered unfair, how can lottery-based admission be considered fairer? Proponents of testing argue that it sets a standard for what students need to know and is an important component of specialized high school and college admissions.
“We should not completely get rid of [standardized testing],” Naomi Marchuk ‘23 said. “It allows colleges and high schools to see academically which students deserve a spot and which shouldn’t.”
Standardized tests are also only a single aspect of admission among many other factors, supporters say. The test doesn’t dictate a person's future. It is only one part of the process.
Liu added, “I think that standardized tests should be taken into account as well as other factors like GPA and achievements like sports or awards.”
If two students have the same GPA, then the SAT can help colleges decide which student to take. While standardized tests are an obstacle for some students, for others they are a way to get ahead of their peers.
“If a student believes their grade is not an accurate representation of their abilities, then maybe there is a benefit to taking the SAT,” said Mr. Stack.
Free test prep is available on the internet for all major tests, especially the SAT, and all tests are provided in basically the same format. Because of this, there is no excuse why people should complain that standardized testing is unfair, proponents say.
“My friend did a lot of online prep, starting a year before the SHSAT,” Hiba Mohammad ‘22 said. “He didn’t do as well as me in class but he got a much higher score than me on the test.” She said that just like hard work and practicing is helpful in getting a good grade, hard work preparing for a test can also raise your score.
The College Board, which runs the SAT, states, “The SAT Suite provides consistent feedback across assessments to help students stay on course and supports teachers as they adjust their instruction for students who are either ahead or behind.” SAT prep ultimately builds and enhances your reading and mathematical skills, supporters argue.
All in all, the debate isn’t settled yet. While many students would be happy to see all testing eliminated, others feel that tests are one of the best ways to measure their abilities. College admissions and NYC schools have recently been trending away from testing. Time will tell whether that continues.