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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 6 page paper provides an overview discussion of standardized testing, including a definition. The writer discusses the controversy concerning these types of tests and what the research says. The writer also comments on the value of these tests and on their limitations and reports instances of human error that hurt thousands of students. The paper begins with an abstract. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGstdts4.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
promotion, graduation, entrance to college, scholarships, the test is called a high stakes test. There is significant controversy about standardized tests. Opponents argue they discriminate against - whatever group
that opponent is supporting. Some say they discriminate against different racial or ethnic groups or against women. There is no empirical evidence to support the claim that standardized tests in
and of themselves discriminate against anyone. When research studies control for socio-economic background, there is a narrow gap between white students and any minority group. Some studies have found a
difference between rural, suburban and urban schools. Still, it would seem the factors that has the greatest impact on performance are socio-economic. These tests, however, have their limitations. Using them
as the only assessment of a students knowledge and skill is not advisable as they will not provide the needed information. Human error in programming the scoring keys has resulted
in hundreds of thousands of students being denied certain things like promotions and has harmed students by requiring them to attend summer school. On the other hand, when used as
they are intended and as a source of more information, these tests can be beneficial. Tests are considered to be standardized when all test-takers must answer the same questions
under similar conditions and when responses are scored in the same way (FairTest, n.d.). Standardized tests include those devised and manufactured by companies that are norm-referenced as well as criterion-referenced
tests many states are now using (FairTest, n.d.). These tests are referred to as high-stakes tests when students must pass them to be promoted to the next grade level or
to graduate from high school (FairTest, n.d.). Tests that determine scholarships, college-entrance, or even enrollment in a special program are also high-stakes tests. This type of performance assessment is used
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