_edited.png)
What is Standardized testing and Why Does It Matter?
A standardized test is an exam that is given to students in order to measure their knowledge and skills in a particular subject area. Standardized tests are usually given at the end of a course or school year, and they are often used to determine whether or not a student has learned what they
were supposed to learn. However, standardized tests aren’t just used to evaluate students; they also help teachers make decisions about curriculum and instruction.
In some states, standardized test scores are used to make high-stakes decisions about whether students should be promoted to the next grade.
What makes standardized testing good?
There are many benefits of standardized testing. First, standardized tests provide educators with a way to measure student achievement that is objective and consistent.
The following are additional reasons standardized testing is good.
Common Language
Standardized tests give educators a common language for talking about student achievement. When teachers can compare their students’ test scores to those of other students across the state or country, they can get a better sense of how their students are performing.
Identifiable Progress
In addition, standardized tests help us to identify areas of student progress and achievement. When educators can see which skills and knowledge areas students are excelling in, they can better tailor their instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Inform Teaching Practices
Finally, standardized tests can help inform our teaching practices. By looking at which skills and knowledge areas students are struggling with on standardized tests, educators can make changes to their instructional practices in order to better meet the needs of their students.
Why Can't Teachers Simply Evaluate the Student?
Teachers are often reluctant to use standardized test scores to make decisions about their students because they fear that the tests don’t accurately reflect what their students know and can do. However, research has shown that standardized tests are actually quite good at measuring student achievement. In fact, standardized test scores are often more accurate than teacher grades when it comes to predicting how well students will do in the future.
Some Standardized Tests Currently In Use
One of the most important standardized tests for elementary students is the Common Core State Testing, or CCST. The CCST is a test that is given to students in order to measure their knowledge of the Common Core State Standards, which are a set of standards that have been put in place in order to ensure that all students in the United States receive a high-quality education. The CCST is given to students in grades 3-8, and it is used to determine whether or not they are meeting the Common Core State Standards.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or ITBS, is another important standardized test for elementary students. The ITBS is a test that is given to students in order to measure their knowledge of the Iowa Core Curriculum, which is a set of standards that have been put in place in order to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education.
The ITBS has been around since 1932, making it one of the oldest standardized tests in the United States. Despite the name, the Iowa test is administered in many other states including: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma , Pennsylvania , South Carolina
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, is a test that is given to students in order to measure their knowledge of the Common Core State Standards. The PARCC test is given to students in grades 3-11, and it is used to determine whether or not they are meeting the Common Core State Standards.
The Parcc test is given in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Utah.
The Parcc test is given in the spring of each year.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, or SBAC, is a test that is given to students in order to measure their knowledge of the Common Core State Standards. The SBAC test (and practice test) is given to students in grades 3-11, and it is used to determine whether or not they are meeting the Common Core State Standards.
The SBAC test is taken by students in the following states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Dakota , Vermont , Washington, and West Virginia.
When is the sbac test given? The SBAC test is given in the spring of each year.
The SBAC test measures a student’s knowledge of reading, writing, language arts, and mathematics. The SBAC test is scored on a scale of 300-850.
Standardized Tests Don't Just Affect Students
Schools often use test scores to inform decisions about where to change curriculum and instruction techniques. Even in some cases, change staffing in a particular school. Standardized tests can also be used as a tool for accountability, to make sure that schools are providing students with a high-quality education. The question "Can school make or lose money because of test scores?" is often asked. We found that no, standardized tests do not affect the amount of money a particular elementary school might receive. However, schools can use standardized test scores to apply for certain grants or other forms of funding.
Some Standardized Test Preparation Tips:
1. Familiarize yourself with the format of the test.
2. Practice taking the test under timed conditions.
3. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet.
4. Review the material that will be covered on the test.
5. relax and try not to stress out about the test.
SchoolAssemblies Brands offer a unique school assembly that prepares young students for their standardized testing. This unique, high-energy hip-hop dance show teaches the testing strategies outlined above and prepares and empowers k-6 students before "sitting" for their standardized test.