As a junior in high school, I have the credentials to critique the many standardized tests students are given annually. Every year without fail, new tests are implemented, replacing the old. Not only does this process disrupt both students’ and teachers’ schedules, but it also adds unnecessary stress in exchange for more “data”. I remember taking the original PARCC test, now the NJSIA, which students traditionally take in May, starting in third grade. Moreover, the middle school welcomes IXL placement tests, and the high school holds Linkit testing multiple times a year. Apparently, the most recent standardized test the high school took was a field test, meaning it didn’t academically impact students; instead, it was used to collect data on how well this new program functioned. This means that two hours of our precious school day were dedicated to a trial run. The teacher proctors are clearly over reciting the papers of testing instructions and maneuvering through computer login glitches, this is certainly not the first time students and teachers have shared the same hatred for standardized testing. You’d think for juniors, especially, it would be ideal to lay off pointless testing since we also have SATs, ACTs, and AP testing, and instead focus on the things that truly matter for our future. I’m not saying that these tests are not important, but instead it would be more substantial to only have the absolutely necessary testing.
