http://images.wisegeek.com/standardized-test-answer-sheet.jpg
Example of a scantron test
According to Jessica Lahey, “tests ask students to look into their wells of knowledge, locate information, and express that knowledge on the page” (Lahey). While tests were made for the beneficial purpose of learning, it has become a burden and a stresser to our students. Staying up till the early hours of the morning, cramming before big exams, and procrastination are just some of the few routines young adults have developed to just get by in school. Many of these routines are developed early on in life because kids today are growing up with these knowledge determining exams.
“Oftentimes you have kids who just fall apart during the test, they just start crying or having a temper tantrum,” said Barbara Cavallo, a clinical director for Partnership with Children. These kids are being raised thinking a test can determine their future and if they fail, they will not be successful in life. The amount of pressure placed on these tests such as exit exams, and SAT/ACT are out of this world. It is taking a toll on our mental health because we are growing up thinking tests determine who we are. One test does not determine our future. It does not determine how successful you will be in life.
Great topic. It reminds me of what Dr. Ken Ginsburg said when he came to speak at Central. I've also been hearing a lot about testing when I attend college visits, presentations, or read colleges' application sites. Many have begun to combat student anxiety over tests, particularly the ACT and SAT, by taking a "holistic approach" to admissions. Every representative that I have listened to has mentioned that they are aware of the stress and difficulties that can come with taking these exams, so they base their admission decision more on the applicants' essays and transcripts to determine personality and work ethic, which they cannot receive from a single test score.
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