Students must take added standardized tests

testing beat — The purpose of standardized tests it to provide fair, valid, and reliable assessments of students regardless of school, background, or social status. This has been called into question in relation to the SAT and ACT because it is known that students with more money tend to score higher on these particular tests because they have more access to resources than the students who can’t spend as much money on such things. Image courtesy of MCT Campus.

As high school students we are expected to endure various standardized tests. Some of these tests include the OAAs, MAP testing, AP testing, and even SAT and ACT tests.

Now, another test has been added to the mix.

“I didn’t really understand the point of it or why we even needed to take it. Honestly it just felt like a waste of time,” said Charlotte Aguilar, 11.

The newest standardized test is the Partnership of Assessment for Readiness of College and Careers or PARCC. The test intends to measure students’ capability of being successful in postsecondary schooling.

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“I think we have more than enough tests to measure how well we will do in college. I don’t think this one is necessary at all,” said Aguilar.

Despite the unimportance of the PARCC test, it has already been implemented in 46 states. It aims to assess students on their math and English/literary skills.

The PARCC board plans to administer the test during the 2014-2015 school year.

“It is just another test so I guess we’ll have to deal with it, but I’m just wondering how many different assessments we need to determine our future potential,” said Aguilar.

About the Contributor

Taylor Evans, Staff Writer

My name is Taylor Evans and I am a senior this year. Four years later, I once again find myself on the amazing staff of The Leaf as an associate editor and cover story editor. I am so excited to return for my fourth and final year on The Leaf, and I can’t wait for what this year will bring. In my spare time my main hobby is to write, specifically fiction. Over the last six years, I’ve also been working on a young-adult fiction novel, "The Unknown," that has finally been published. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, and when I’m not reading I’m playing volleyball. And when all that isn’t enough, I turn to baking, which is a stress reliever- plus, who doesn’t like munching on cookies every once in a while?