OUTLINE

TOPIC: STANDARDIZED TESTS AS AN ACCURATE MEASURE FOR STUDENT LEARNING

I. Introduction:
A. Introduction to standardized tests.
B. Thesis statement: While standardized tests have restrictions, they are still
considered useful and accurate measure for student learning.

II. Body: Standardized tests provide a consistent and objective measure of students’
performance.
A. Significance of objectivity in a diverse and multicultural society.
A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that standardized
tests are a fair and unbiased measure of student performance, which is
particularly important in a diverse and multicultural society. The study
concluded that "standardized tests provide a common standard against which
all students can be measured, regardless of their individual circumstances"
(NCES, 2014).
Source: https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2014468
A meta-analysis of 118 studies by Gregory Camilli and his colleagues found that
standardized tests are more objective than teacher evaluations, which can be
influenced by factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The study
concluded that "standardized tests provide a more objective measure of student
achievement, which is essential for ensuring fairness and equity in the
education system" (Camilli et al., 2006).
Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/00346543066002197
B. Comparison and contrast with other forms of assessment.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies by Paul R. Sackett and his colleagues found that
standardized tests are a better predictor of future academic success than high
school grades. The study, published in Educational Researcher, concluded that
"standardized tests are the best and most widely used predictors of academic
performance" (Sackett et al., 2019).
Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3102/0013189X19849944
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that students who
scored high on standardized tests were more likely to graduate from college
than those who had high school grades in the same range. The study suggests
 that standardized tests are a better predictor of college readiness than high
school grades (Cullen & Koedel, 2010).
Source: https://www.nber.org/papers/w16062

III. Body: Standardized tests provide reliable data for identifying areas in least mastered
and mastered competencies.
A. Comparison and contrast with other forms of assessment.
"Comparing Multiple Assessments of Student Learning in High School:
Construct Validity Evidence for Standards-Based Tests and Teacher Grades" by
the Journal of Educational Measurement
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jedm.12145
"Standardized Tests versus Teacher Assessment: A Comparison of Prospective
Teachers’ Achievement and Attitudes" by the Journal of Education and Practice

Source:
https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/viewFile/30432/31117

B. Advantage of data for policymaking and program development.

"Using Data to Improve Schools: What's Working" by the National Conference
of State Legislatures
Source: https://www.ncsl.org/research/education/using-data-to-improve-
schools-whats-working.aspx

IV. Body: Standardized tests provide a standard measure to compare students’

performance among schools and districts, which can be used as a basis in policy decisions
and resource allocations.
A. Standardized test can be used as success indicators hence can be significant in
identifying achievement gaps and interventions.

A study by the RAND Corporation found that standardized test scores are a strong
predictor of later life outcomes, such as educational attainment and earnings, and
can be useful in identifying achievement gaps and targeting interventions.

Source: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2309.html
V. Counterargument:
A. Standardized tests can lead to a limited focus on test preparation rather than a
well-rounded education.
Study by the National Education Association found that emphasis on
standardized testing leads to narrowed curriculum.
Source: https://www.nea.org/assets/docs/HE/NEA_Testing_Report.pdf
Research by the National Center for Fair & Open Testing found that high-stakes
testing has led to narrowed curriculum.
Source:
https://fairtest.org/sites/default/files/national_exams_white_paper.pdf

VI. Conclusion:
A. Restate thesis statement.
B. Summarize counterarguments and supporting evidence.
C. Review for finding a balance between test preparation and a well-rounded
education.
"A Balanced Approach to Educational Assessment: Designing Assessment to
Meet the Needs of All Students" by Linda Darling-Hammond, Beverly Falk, and
Heidi Andrade.
Link: https://www.cft.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/2019-CFT-assessment-
report.pdf
"Balancing the Curriculum: Teaching to the Test or Teaching for Learning?" by
Ellen Bialystok and Stuart Shanker.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/00346543067001113
"Balancing Act: Equitable and Effective Assessment for English Learners" by
Jamal Abedi and Mary Ann Corley.
Link: https://www.edpolicyinca.org/publications/balancing-act-equitable-
and-effective-assessment-english-learners
"Beyond the Bubble Test: How Performance Assessments Support 21st Century
Learning" by Linda Darling-Hammond, Olivia Ifill-Lynch, and Audrey Amrein-
Beardsley.
Link: https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/beyond-bubble-test-report
VI: Approach:
Approach used is logos since the topic appeals to the audience's reason, building up
logical arguments.

STANDARDIZED TESTS AS AN ACCURATE MEASURE FOR STUDENT LEARNING

 Consistent, predetermined, measurable - these are the words that can best describe
standardized tests. They are designed in such a way that questions and interpretations are
administered and scored in a 'standard' manner. Standardized tests have become a common
method for measuring student learning in schools across the world. These tests, designed to
assess a student's knowledge and skills, have been met with criticism and controversy over
their accuracy and effectiveness. Despite these criticisms, standardized tests are still
considered a useful and accurate measure for student learning. However, attached with
restriction, anyone will agree that standardized tests are a valuable and indispensable tool for
measuring student learning.
Standardized tests are designed to evaluate a student's knowledge and skills in a
specific subject area. These tests are administered to students in a controlled environment and
are scored using a standardized grading system. The results of these tests are used by
teachers, schools, and policymakers to assess student learning and make decisions about
education policy.
One of the main criticisms of standardized tests is that they do not accurately measure
a student's learning. Some argue that standardized tests only measure a narrow range of
skills, such as test-taking ability, and do not reflect a student's overall knowledge and
abilities. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to note that standardized tests
are not meant to be the only measure of student learning. They are just one tool among many
that educators can use to assess a student's knowledge and skills.
Another criticism of standardized tests is that they create a culture of "teaching to the
test." This means that teachers may focus on teaching the specific content that will be on the
test, rather than providing a well-rounded education that covers a broad range of topics.
While this is a legitimate concern, it is important to note that this is not an inherent flaw of
standardized tests. Rather, it is a problem with the way that standardized tests are used in
some schools.
Despite these criticisms, standardized tests are still considered a valuable tool for
measuring student learning. These tests provide a standardized way to assess student
knowledge and skills, which can be helpful for making comparisons across schools and
districts. Standardized tests also provide teachers and administrators with important
information about student performance, which can be used to identify areas of strength and
weakness and adjust the curriculum as needed.

While standardized tests, just like any other tests, cannot go without criticisms, it is
important to know as well that they have time-honored advantages and impacts especially
among learners. They can establish a universal education standard as it becomes easier to
evaluate and score individuals when they are measured against a common standard.
Standardized tests can also demonstrate and determine student progress by making them
take the same tests over time.
With standardized tests, educational stakeholders can be held accountable for their
students' learning progress so that they may be made aware of what needs to be improved in
their system of learning.
In conclusion, while there are certainly restrictions to using standardized tests as a
measure for student learning, they are still a useful and accurate tool. Standardized tests
provide a standardized way to assess student knowledge and skills, which can be helpful for
making comparisons across schools and districts. Additionally, standardized tests provide
teachers and administrators with important information about student performance, which
can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness and adjust the curriculum as needed.
Therefore, standardized tests should continue to be used as part of a comprehensive
approach to assessing student learning.