Standardized Testing: Just What the Teacher Ordered
Standardized testing of students means that all students are given the same test or same kind of test. Standardized testing can be stressful, but ultimately it is useful for both students and teachers. The students’ scores show the effectiveness of the teacher. If students do not show good results, the teacher can be held responsible. A student’s scores also can be used by teachers to pinpoint the student's weak areas. Standardized testing makes sure that no student is ever ignored. Standardized testing also allows teachers to see how the student compares with other students in other schools or states. In this way, schools can pinpoint if the problem is with the student or with the school itself. Best of all, standardized tests allow students to be graded fairly. Students will no longer suffer because a teacher favors certain students. Instead, all students will be treated the same, regardless of their backgrounds or differences.

Standardized Testing: A Monster Out of Control
Standardized testing of students means that all students are given the same test or same kind of test. Standardized testing is often harmful to students. Standardized testing gives importance only to what the student puts down on their test. The overall performance of the student in other areas, such as art and sports, doesn’t count. Studies have shown that standardized testing causes stress to both students and teachers. Many teachers only teach test questions. Teaching this way limits children’s imaginations and creativity. Standardized testing also does not take into account the different backgrounds that children come from and the different problems they may face. Such tests ignore the uniqueness and differences of students.

Select the correct answer.
What do the two passages have in common?
A.
They both claim that standardized tests can be stressful.
B.
They both claim that standardized tests will make grading easier for teachers.
C.
They both claim that standardized tests will create stress for teachers and students.
D.
They both claim that standardized tests will hold teachers more accountable.
E.
They both claim that standardized tests will make students more active in learning.