The flawed history of testing — and how we move beyond it

Standardized testing is a 150-year practice under growing scrutiny. But how do we move away from it? Stand Together Investigates took a deep dive into testing, and the pioneering schools that have ditched it in favor of learning.

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Standardized testing has been a cornerstone of the American education system for over 150 years, but is it effective? Many argue no. Originally implemented during the Industrial Revolution at the same time as mandatory schooling, designed to train a compliant workforce, standardized tests gained prominence with policies like No Child Left Behind, which tied school funding to test performance.

Critics argue that standardized tests fail to measure valuable qualities such as empathy, passion, and curiosity. They also point out that the high-stakes nature of these tests can lead to increased anxiety among students, potentially hindering their performance. And perhaps most crucially, the all-around pressure to improve test scores has resulted in some schools "teaching to the test" rather than focusing on comprehensive, meaningful learning.

So the question is, what would we do instead? Alternative approaches to assessing student progress are emerging. Some schools are adopting personalized learning models that emphasize student-led projects, growth transcripts, and demonstrations of knowledge aligned with individual interests. These methods aim to provide a more holistic view of student capabilities and better prepare them for real-world challenges.

While standardized tests still play a role in many school systems due to state mandates, and can provide some valuable information for a moment in time, there's a growing movement to explore more diverse and comprehensive ways of measuring student learning. The debate continues on how to balance accountability with fostering creativity, critical thinking, and individual growth in education.

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