Standardized Testing Persuasive Essay

Issue A month before his high school graduation, a student comes home with the bad news of not being able to receive his diploma. You would think that it’s because of his grades or attendance at school. The real issue was that he did not pass one of his standardized tests. These tests are also known as “high stakes” because they determine whether or not the student is eligible for a diploma or a promotion to the next grade. How would you feel if you knew that taking tests is one of your child’s weaknesses, and now it determines his future? Do you think that it’s fair to the students; who are already low achievers, English is their second language, or have learning disabilities? These tests lead to an increase in high school dropout and retention rates because they are set at a certain standard or level for students to reach. High school students should not be required to take standardized tests to graduate because they increase the high school dropout and retention rates, and create additional stress on educators and students. High School Dropout Rates These standardized tests are required to passed in order for high school students to graduate. Some students who are low achievers already feel as if they‘re not going to pass. These tests only make it harder for them to believe in themselves. Once students fail these tests, some are given an option to retake, others just simply give up and drop out. “One concern frequently raised about the use of high-stakes in public school is that they lead more students, especially low achieving and minority students, to drop out of school” (Lohman). Students who fail the tests drop out because they know if they could not pass it the first time, then there’s no use in trying again. It put pressure and stress on the students, so they just feel like there’s no other option but to drop out. Retention Rates Many students in high school that fail a standardized test are required to repeat their same grade or class that the subject was taught in. “Students who are retained …show more content…
Students should be tested to a certain extinct, so they will not get to college and fail. Also, these tests would help determine if the students can relate the information into their everyday lives. These tests also let the students future colleges know how smart they are. Standardized tests measure a student’s ability and skills that they need to know at a certain grade level. If they pass then it shows that they have mastered the skills that they were intended to learn. Tests keep the teachers up to part to finding strategies to teaching the students the material that will enable the students to pass. It also keeps the teachers motivated, so when students pass the tests it indicates that the students have learned the information. This simply helps the students to prepare for an institute of higher learning.
Conclusion
High school students already have other requirements to meet before graduation. So, as a student trying to receive a diploma they should not be required to take standardized tests. This puts more pressure and stress on the students, especially if they already have a lot of other things to complete in order to graduate. Many students are not quick learners, do not have English as their first language, or have learning