The first standardized test in the state of Texas was introduced in 1980. The introduction of the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills exam to the classroom marked the end of an era when people learned because they wanted to and not because they were obligated.
Texas candidate Beto O’Rourke stated at the Texas gubernatorial debate that he plans to end the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test in order to increase teacher and student retention, if elected as the 2022 Texas Governor.
It is widely known that the United States faces a shortage of teachers as well as a lack of student engagement in the classroom. With current standardized tests like STAAR, teachers lack the freedom to teach the way they want, because they are forced to meet deadlines during certain times of the year. The lack of creativity and freedom teachers have overall leads to lack of engagement and retention of students. With teachers not having control over the classroom, more and more teachers quit every year because of the pressure and lack of motivation.
Standardized testing is an overall poor and lazy way to measure the knowledge of students. Every individual student has their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to school. Some students thrive in one subject and some thrive in another subject, while others don’t thrive in any. Teachers should be the ones to have control over a student’s academic path as they were the ones who witnessed their academic growth within a year.
We believe Texas should get rid of standardized testing, because we don’t think it’s a beneficial or accurate way to measure what students have learned. It is not common to hear about someone that enjoys taking a test, and the stress of taking one can often make it more difficult for students to answer questions properly and thoroughly.
Standardized testing does not enhance students’ knowledge; it conditions them to memorize and pass their STAAR test, but once testing season is over students forget everything they have memorized. We, as products of the public school system, know the struggle and stress that goes into preparing for the STAAR test.
The challenge we faced growing up, that is standardized testing in the public school system, is due for revision and removal to fit today’s society and its needs. Schools must be allowed to teach the future leaders of America as they see fit based on students’ need.