As a TLE–ICT teacher in the Philippines, I’ve seen standardized tests at their best when they give us a big-picture view of student learning. For example, the National Achievement Test (NAT) can highlight where students are struggling in areas like problem-solving, reading comprehension, or basic math—skills that also affect their ability to succeed in ICT. These results can help teachers adjust strategies and identify which competencies need reinforcement.

However, standardized tests are often at their worst when they become the only measure of student ability. In ICT, I notice that many learners shine when asked to create projects—like designing a website, troubleshooting hardware, or presenting digital outputs—but these skills are not captured by multiple-choice tests. Also, factors such as lack of access to gadgets, limited internet, or test anxiety can unfairly affect their performance.

For me, standardized tests should be one tool among many. They can guide policy and teaching improvements, but authentic assessments—like performance tasks, projects, and digital portfolios—are essential to capture students’ real-world skills in ICT. Assessment should not just rank students, but empower them to grow and showcase their potential. 

Department of Education (DepEd). (2023). National Achievement Test Overview. https://www.deped.gov.ph