The Dangers of Testing

Elizabeth Smith ’29

The educational system in America is one of the best, but most definitely has its flaws. To begin with, students around the country are overly reliant on standardized testing. In fact, according to Harvard University’s When Testing Takes Over, “The pressure to raise test scores has become so strong that testing often degrades instruction rather than improving it” (Wash). While grades are an important way to keep students in check, they also take away from education and its importance. I personally have been in many situations where I learn information for a class just to get a good grade instead of focusing on the real purpose of education, learning.

So, what can be a solution to this issue? One possible approach is to start making exams cumulative, meaning that students are tested on everything they have learned, rather than simply that unit. While this idea seems to have a positive outcome, there are still flaws. Cumulative exams cause students to fall behind and lose interest in their classes because of the large amount of information to remember. Especially here at BHSEC, students have to balance their daily lives along with their academic responsibilities. This can typically get very overwhelming and stressful, which is not the goal we are seeking to reach. In order to have an educational system that supports all students, schools must find a reasonable balance between assessments and learning that focus on growth and understanding.