Quick Facts

These are just a few key ideas about standardized tests in general.

North Carolina starts giving statewide standardized tests in third grade, and they are taken until graduation.
No Child Left Behind, started by President Bush, administers standardized tests to students nation wide in order to monitor progress, furthering the use of standardized tests.

The tests are often used to determine grade promotion, graduation, and even admission to college.

Standardized tests focus on specific subject areas. In North Carolina the End of Grade tests that are given in grades three through eight test math and reading skills only.

High school tests are given in a greater variety of subjects.

The tests are almost always based solely on the curriculum for the grade level or course the student is in.

The tests allow educators to set a standard for the level a student should be at.

Standardized tests also provide an evaluation of the various aspects of education, such as teachers, schools, and entire school systems.

The tests also play a large part in determining a student’s placement in advanced classes or programs, as well as determining if a student may need more help in a specific area. Pointers for Success

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