Every year starting from the adolescent age of eight, we are programmed and taught that our self worth relies solely on the score we receive on our tests. Unfortunately, we are not the only one’s being taught this. Many generations before us have been told that too. Continuing to push standardized testing not only negatively affects students by creating a connection of value dependent on rank, standardized tests are now being seen as outdated. Each day less and less colleges and universities are requiring an SAT or ACT score. Students now have the option to apply “test-optional” which provides the same resources and experience as applying with a given score. Lastly, an increasing rate of studies are proving that these tests are a contributing factor to socioeconomic, educational, and gender bias, further affirming the belief that standardized tests are a “glass ceiling” or, in other words, “an unofficially acknowledged barrier […]”
Andrew Hacker, author of “Standardized Test Are a New Glass Ceiling,” explores how standardized testing is biased by catering directly towards men, and how testing specifically targets memorization over genuine understanding. Overall, this sends a bad message to children in schools and further perpetuates harmful stereotypes. He aims to educate readers, whether they be students, teachers, or the average everyday citizen, on the importance of recognizing the issues behind standardized tests. After reading, it is clear that Hacker was determined in making an influence, and he utilizes quotes from credible sources such as University officiant Marcia Linn at the University of California (Berkeley).
Furthermore, as the educational landscape evolves, there is a growing need for alternative methods of assessment. Many people are unaware of the bias found in our educational systems, but if we don’t acknowledge it once we discover it, we are allowing the generations after us to endure the same consequences. Acknowledgement also means understanding that each person attending school is coming from a different place; whether that be socially, economically, physically, or something else, we cannot expect the same things from everyone. Why should some kids be punished for not having the same opportunities, luxuries, and/or abilities as others?
Testing in schools often causes anxiety, stress, and feelings of worthlessness amongst classmates. Tests like the SAT are often expensive and inaccessible especially towards those living in a lower economic classed family. Some kids may not have support at home and therefore don’t have extra time to reevaluate materials being taught in class. Or maybe they have jobs and aren’t able to study. We often confuse and classify those we consider “kids,” even if they’re actually teenagers, as lacking responsibility or having it “easy.” When really, students are just as much a person as their older peers. Why should we raise and teach children to believe that everything they’ve ever learned or accomplished in life is useless if they can’t prove it on paper? If they can’t pass their Calculus class? Why should they be reduced to a number in a system?
In short, the education system within the U.S. has made, and will continue to make, a lasting impact on its recipients. Whether or not those impacts will improve or diminish their understanding of education and self worth, is dependent upon us. In order to break a barrier we must admit that there is one. Change can only be accomplished through recognition following closely by action itself. And in order to truly continue down a path of reflection, we must ask ourselves, why are girls expected to be less involved in school in comparison to their male counterparts? And once again, why must society be told there is no purpose for you outside of an educational system?
