Article Review: Standardized Tests Effectively Measures Student Achievement

The standard test is a kind of the test that needs all the individuals taking the test to answer similar questions, or some particular selected questions for the common set of questions, in a similar manner. The tests are scored in a "standard" or a consistent manner that makes it possible to contrast the individuals' performance. The following essay will analyze the article by Walberg, (2009), who tried to bring up his logical assertion that supports the application of the standard test and refutes the argument raised by other scholars and educators.

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Walberg contended issues to do with the standard tests in schools. Despite the resistance that the standardized test is facing from prominent educator such as Gerald Bracey, and the rest of the political leaders cite that it is meant to frustrate students at schools. Walberg continues to support his rational maintaining the uphold of the standard English has to the education system.

The author's argument is much credible since he was able to point out significant reasons as to why standardized assessments should be still affected in the school curriculum. The reason given cannot be contradicted since they have a firm support from various academic scholars and the government as well.

I like the grounds stated by the author regarding the standardized tests citing that the tests are the fundamental tool that can be utilized in assessing the knowledge, understanding, and skills of a student since they are objective, efficient, fair and comprehensive.

Walberg used an example of a three-legged stool to demonstrate his argument. He contends that the student's education is the much critical aspect of a metaphorical three-legged stool, whereby it entails the learning standards.

In the article, the author has firmly supported his argument in various ways.

As pointed out in the article, the standardized testing offers the teachers a proper guideline to assist them in determining what students should be taught and the time to teach them. The aggregate result is not much wasted instructional time and also a simplified method of timeline organization. Without these instructions, the third-grade teachers as well as the sixth ones, could be continuing teaching the same content in their classes. With these guidelines keeps the student who shifts from one single school district to the other being ahead or behind their new school.

Additionally, parents will be able to know how their children are performance rate range at as compared to the rest of the students across the country as well as locally. As a result, this would also be an indication of how your local area is performing in contrast to the national landscape.

The standard grades are being classified as standard in nature. The grades offered by the teachers in the classroom are least minimally subjective. The computers usually score the standardized test or even at the rare circumstances by people who have no knowledge of the students who did the test. Also, they are created by the experts, and every question undertakes a robust process to eliminate bias.

The standard grades offer correct assessment between the sub-groups. These sub-groups may be including data on socioeconomic status, disabilities, ethnicity, etc. That will provide schools with information to come up with critical programs and services concentrated at enhancing scoring in these sub-groups.

Walberg contradicts the idea that standardized tests can only assess the simple memorized facts and ideas. He claims that the test evaluates advanced Judgement and understanding that exist. They may need respondents to recognize the best thought for action, the proper interpretation of the set of ideas, or finest application of the fundamental principles.

Another instance where Walberg supports his argument is when he opposes against the contention that standardized tests lead to stress among the students as well as the educators. He further says that the world in growing to be competitive every day and the knowledge economy is on demands more knowledge together with the better skills from the employees, which needs the huge amount of the vigorous study of the complex subjects. While the students in America invest about 50% of their entire study time that a student in Asia so in regular schools, doing homework and tutoring schools, the primary cause of the poor performance as compared to the European and Asian students in the survey conducted internationally. Therefore, some sensible pressure and fair performance measure are considerable for the future welfare of the nation as well as the student.

The standard test has faced some various criticism, but the idea brought forward by the article is logically support the tests. The argument presented are supportive and bots the students together with other rest of the educators should be optimistic and ready to embrace it. The education system is dynamic, and it demands more professional people is high It should be noted that other countries around the world are doing all possible to keep with the standards and therefore the initiative to adapt the standard test should be taken into account. Also, the standardized test will reduce the incidences of exam leakage, cheating and favor in the gradings, the system allows the exams to be marked with the computer or with the anonymous person who does know much about the examined person.

The student who excels in their standard test takes pride of achievement, and they get the confidence that they are competent enough to proceed with their studies. However, for those who did not make it through they can realize their failures and know where they went wrong. The student should understand that the is no education torture by taking the standard tests. Instead, it was meant to evaluate the students according to what they have so far learned and whether they are capable of handling what waits for them ahead.

The study made by Walberg applies to my studies by revealing the fundamentals of the standard test and why it should be upheld in the education system. I support his arguments and each point stated has to be taken into consideration and students should make earlier preparation for the test and revise everything that they were earlier taught. The attitude that they will have towards the standard test will also influence their performance, and they should always remember that they are competing for the job market with other individuals around the world. Standard testing will enhance equality in the education system.

Work Cited

Walberg, Herbert J. "Standardized Tests Effectively Measure Student Achievement." Chronicle of Higher Education (2009).