By Hilda Rico Valdez

 Many students have endured state testing for over a decade, but not many actually know what purpose the tests serve or how the school uses their results. At Granada Hills Charter (GHC), students see many tests and many acronyms, such as PSAT, NWEA, CAASPP, and SBAC. 

Although most students know that the PSAT prepares students for the SAT in their junior year, the state tests’ purposes are not as obvious.

These tests allow the state to measure a student’s proficiency in a particular subject. Beginning in elementary school, students take standardized state tests each year through their senior year of high school. Many of these tests are required for all students so that the state itself can keep track of student progress. This not only provides the state with more information but also teachers, as it allows them to see which areas their students need more help in.

Standardized testing in the United States has been around since the 19th century but gained popularity in the 20th century. As a result, it has essentially become a part of school culture. 

Some of these standardized tests include the Smarter Balanced Consortium (SBAC), which measures how students are performing in mathematics, English, and science. Students will be taking the SBAC at GHC on November 20 and 21.

Another example includes the PSAT, taken last month, which prepares grades 9, 10, and 11 for the SAT. All these tests are held at high stakes, leading to students being under a lot of pressure. 

GHC administrator and test coordinator, Anthony Graham organizes all the standardized tests for the school. He has high hopes of transforming the testing culture at GHC. This entails educating students about the benefits of testing. 

“Each test has value beyond the fact that it’s state-required,” Graham said. “A student’s test score is only a small factor that a student should consider. Rather, they should focus on understanding their strengths and weaknesses and working to grow academically,”

Students fail to grasp the value of standardized tests as they often associate them with stress or boredom. Some students even rush through test questions, so they can finish the test as quickly as possible.

However, the results of these tests can help students measure their own progress and see where they can improve. Students can access the results of their standardized tests through Home Access Center. 

Though standardized tests can be viewed as a burden, the scores are used to give educators insight into student strengths and weaknesses. These tests are not tied to student grades because their purpose is to help the school set goals and reflect on both student performance and curriculum. 

To truly use this data, students must answer test questions to the best of their abilities to provide teachers and administration with accurate data on their skill level. With inaccurate data, teachers are unable to provide necessary support for their students. Ultimately, rushing through the test does a disservice to the students themselves since they won’t be able to reflect on their actual progress. 

“Doing your best on [the upcoming SBAC test] really helps in the long run with college preparation, tailored learning, and the tracking of personal growth,” Graham said.

Learning the value of standardized testing can galvanize students into comprehending why schools implement these tests into the curriculum. 

With this new understanding, students can put in their best efforts on testing day, leading to a more positive testing culture.