Stage Six

In the Normalcy Not Nostrums blog, the author argued that standardized testing was detrimental to students’ education. I agree that having teachers cram students so that they pass a test contradicts the value of learning. Having schools’ budgets determined by the test scores also creates a rather negative learning environment. I find that the STAAR test and other state standardizing tests encourage students to pick the right answer and write a correctly organized essay; such tests encourage students to think inside the box instead of promoting creativity. After all, the point of education is for students to grow up into intelligent, creative adults, not detail oriented robots.

The author, however, could have utilized statistics or polls to demonstrate the consequences of standardized testing. Data comparing students who received an education geared toward standardized testing versus students who are simply taught by their teacher at their own pace could provide concrete evidence of the unproductive nature of standardized testing. Because numbers are objective, they would be the most effective way to build a rock bottom foundation to the argument. Likewise, quotes from experts in education about the harmful effect of standardized testing could bolster the author’s claim. Overall, the article is well written and sheds light on a major part of the public school system.