Negative Effects

These are some of the negative aspects of standardized testing that are rarely exposed.

• The tests often result in fact memorization instead of true learning.
• Standardized tests often do not encourage higher order thinking skills or test reasoning skills.
• Teachers are forced to ensure an increase in test scores instead of an increase in learning, regardless of the fact that high test scores do not always mean improvement has been made.
• All subject areas are not tested in younger students. Only math and reading skills are tested, and this causes less of a focus in other equally important subjects.
• The curriculum is changed and narrowed because of the tests. Teachers are forced to “teach to the test” because of this.

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