The effects that standardized tests have on america's students Research Paper

The effects that banalized tests have on americas students - Research Paper ExampleConsequently, many people and versatile organizations have used the term for a long time to advocate for as good as champion for their rights, thereby making the word precise powerful. For instance, various womens suffrage, Civil Rights movements, among others have fought for equality for the human race no matter black or white, male or female, rich or poor just to mention a few. In America, the standards based educational reform introduced the regularise tests in format to raise Americas standard of achievement in the education sector. This has been part of American education system from the 1800s and its use increased in 2002 after enactment of the No Child leftfield Behind Act (NCLB) that mandated yearly testing within the 50 states (McMeans 5). According to James Popham, former president of the American Educational Research Association, standardized tests refers to tests administered, score d, and by and by interpreted in a predetermined and standard manner (Higgins 12). The policy accorded high priority student performance with the aim of increasing student and inform performance, thereby preparing American students to compete favorably for opportunities on the international stage. Proponents argue that standardized tests entail a fair as well as quarry means of examining student achievement (Phelps 23). This makes schools and teachers more accountable to the taxpayers who are the parents. Therefore, standardized tests promote equality among students ensuring that all Americans pass a given tests in order to move to the next level. Despite the support and recognition given to standardized tests and the equality, it proves ambiguous since logically it is unattainable on earth. This is because when it is pursued beyond excellence or freedom, it can turn out to be very dangerous (Stahlman 242). The dangers of championing for equality beyond excellence are displayed in the story Harrison Bergeron, written by Kurt Vonnegut. However, opponents of standardized tests claim that the tests are neither objective nor fair and that their use encourages a narrow curriculum as well as drill like tenet to the test situation (Visone & EdD 95). Moreover, the tests compromise the ability of America to produce critical thinkers and innovators. Vonnegut in his story Harrison Bergeron clearly dwells on the theme of the dangers of total equity. He asserts that rank(a) equality is not a perfect and worth striving for by human beings (Dougherty 176). This is because it is a misguided goal that proves dangerous both in the achievement and in its outcome. Therefore, the search for equality above excellence or freedom is very dangerous. This is because application of equality in almost situations and in areas that it cannot and should not populate might restrict excellence as well as liberty (Harris, Bruce & Harris 56). This is because in life human beings are not equal in some things and will never be. According to Abraham Lincolns speech during the Declaration of Independence, people are not equal in size, colour, moral development, intellect, as well as social capacity (Crossley 2). Therefore, the fact remains that human beings are different in various things, in both physical and mental realms, and thereof it is impossible to achieve total equality. Thus, just like in the Vonneguts story, standardized tests promote absolute equality. This is dangerous due to several