The use of standardized testing is a big subject between both students and teachers. That's why, in an attempt to understand a teacher’s point of view, I created a survey. I asked simple questions such as, what were their thoughts on standardized testing or how do you think that standardized testing has affected their teaching. Most of the teachers expressed a negative response to standardized testing. I really wanted to figure out why this was.
Most of the teachers explained the stress students experience due to the build-up for the tests. Many students react in different ways, but you can tell that there is a theme of anxiety for students. Many teachers believe that the testing and planning for testing have taken out planning and teaching of other content. In fact, some teachers responded to questions saying that testing is stressful for the students and the teachers and brings teaching and learning to a screeching halt for several weeks.
Additionally, many teachers said students shouldn’t be evaluated by one large test. One teacher commented, “It doesn't address student creativity, student leadership, problem-solving or critical thinking. Those elements are so important to a student's growth and maturation yet standardized testing, by ignoring them, almost makes it seem like they're not important.” This further elaborates real views by teachers on standardized testing.