Tests in America
Every year millions of standardized tests are administered all over the country to a large variety of students. Standardized tests are simply tests that are given in the same way to all test takers. Standardized tests are an integral part of the American education system. In many schools, in order to move on to the next grade, it is necessary to pass certain exams. Most colleges and universities also require prospective students to take standardized tests such as the ACT or SAT in order to be considered for admission. Even many graduate schools require the passing of some form of standardized test. Despite the commonality, and general acceptance of standardized tests, there still remain questions and controversy around them. There are mainly two major views on standardized tests. There are those who support standardized tests because they believe that the tests are fair, offer good comparisons, are accurate, and a good measure of how well a student is doing. People that oppose standardized tests, do so because they don't agree with how they are being used, the high importance that is placed in the tests, and the way the tests don't encourage creative or critical thinking. Those who oppose tests also don't agree that the tests are necessarily fair or accurate. Both parties, however, generally want what is best for the students and their education.
