A teacher comes into class and sighs at the week’s schedule. ?

PSSAs?.

The students groan and await the drone of instructions that initiate the test. Although standardized tests are a common event in the spring, many people now doubt their effectiveness. In fact, 20 percent of New York students refused their tests in 2015.

Standardized tests don’t benefit students because they cut class time and complicate teachers’ jobs.

Initially, standardized tests reduce class time.

A study in Ohio shows eighth graders spend 23 hours on standardized testing; 35 including test prep. Disrupting class too often distracts students from daily material. It also affects their social development. Education is integral to a child’s growth, as is socialization.

Throughout their elementary education, a child’s social skills grow from sharing to accepting differences. However, a first grader cannot improve his listening skills if he’s spending hours alone testing. Teachers plan group projects for students, but what good is it if students are using their time for testing?

Standardized tests also make teachers’ jobs harder. The tests are mostly multiple choice and produce results teachers cannot utilize.

Although Common Core is gaining popularity, its vast set of standards gives educators a hard time. Teachers have seven months to cover 30-odd standards in addition to the original curriculum. Meanwhile, students in Pennsylvania are told they cannot study for the PSSAs.

Instead of plowing ahead focusless, standardized tests should be held off until relevant, effective standards are created that fully benefit students and teachers.

Tomo Curran Lower Macungie

Middle School student