Standardized Testing offers a comprehensive exploration of standardized assessments in education, examining their historical context, purpose, and impact. This academic analysis investigates whether these tests truly measure student learning or perpetuate social inequality. The book traces the evolution of standardized testing from early 20th-century intelligence measures to today's high-stakes evaluations, revealing how social, political, and economic forces have shaped their use.
Did you know standardized tests significantly influence not only students, but also teachers, schools, and educational policy? The book critically analyzes the claims of objectivity, accountability, and fairness often associated with standardized tests, scrutinizing their validity, reliability, and potential biases. It delves into the effects of test preparation on curriculum, the pressure on students, and potential demographic biases, advocating for a balanced assessment approach.
Structured around key themes such as test validity and the history of testing, the book progresses through different types of standardized tests and analyzes their impact on students and schools, culminating in a discussion of alternative assessment methods and implications for educational policy.
