Standardized Tests Aren't Like T-Shirts: One Size Doesn't Fit All‪.‬

Testing has become a way of life that starts shortly after the cradle and may end just this side of the grave. (Black, 1963) In January of 2002, President George W. Bush with his No Child Left Behind Act changed testing forever. Tests aren't just tests anymore. In some states they are used to determine which students stay back a grade, which high school students get their diploma, and which teachers get bonuses (DiMarco, 2000). Testing can have a damaging effect on all parties involved. Test scores are being used as the only measure of a student's knowledge and skills. Tests are important, but should only be a portion of a student's evaluation. With these high stakes tests having so much weight on the future of the child, teacher, and school, you would hope that they would provide an accurate measure of a child's knowledge. They don't!