The Future of Standardized Testing

By Langston Endicott

“The No Child Left Behind Act,” was signed into law by George W. Bush in 2002 to hold public K-12 schools more accountable. When President Obama was elected in 2008, he gave schools more money if they did better on exams, further increasing their importance.

Standardized tests have also been important for college applications, but over time, some people thought that they might just reflect social status and wealth. The COVID lockdowns helped schools that didn't think standardized testing was the best way to show students' achievements stop doing them. According to Forbes, 80% of four-year colleges will not require SAT or ACT tests for 2023 applications.

“Standardized testing is a snapshot of a student's achievements over state standards. But, I think that tests are not the only - or most important - way to show student achievement,” said Principal Kathleen Miller. “Our focus at CFI is teaching through the IB program, not teaching to the test.”

So, what do you think is the future of standardized tests? Tell us in the comments!