Standardized Testing. Just those two words alone seem to make people groan in complaint. I get it; I really do. No one would choose to spend their time filling in bubbles and answering questions in a timed setting. This isn’t meant as a form of punishment though. Despite what you may think, taking these tests are beneficial.
Standardized testing helps the district know whether we are meeting learning standards and if our teachers are teaching us what we need to know. These scores are taken into consideration so that we can have the best learning experience possible. As a student you might think, “Well, why should I care?” Think about it though. Having a lower level of education can close many doors in your future.
We, in Albert Lea, are very lucky as we have amazing teachers; many who have won or were nominated for Teacher of the Year. Think about if we didn’t. CIS and AP classes probably wouldn’t be an option for us. Our ACT scores would probably average lower and the colleges we all want to go to might not be as elated to have us attend their esteemed institutions.
Did I mention money? Here’s some common sense I’m about to lay down for ya: the school covers the cost of tests for you. The ACT costs around $70 and the school pays for that so you don’t have to.
Imagine having to fork over $70 to take a test just so you can go to a college and spend even more money.
Let’s be grateful that we get to take it free of charge and during our school day. Not only is the school covering the cost for us, so that a student isn’t withheld from the opportunity due to financial issues, but they’re also taking a day out of our school calendar to let you take it so you don’t have to worry about finding a way there or coming in on a Saturday morning. So, my fellow students, please count your stars and keep those groans to yourself. Let’s be grateful for what we have and hope that we don’t lose it.