Standardized Tests

Social Assumptions:

All learners have access to the same resources and opportunities.

Knowledge and skills can be measured objectively using uniform items.

Comparability across schools, regions, or countries is meaningful.

Consequences for Learners:

Positive: Provides measurable benchmarks; encourages mastery of specific skills.

Negative: Can disadvantage learners from diverse linguistic, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds; may induce anxiety and encourage “teaching to the test.”