Here’s my position: I’m in favor of standardized tests. I also believe final exams in junior high and high school are critical for evaluating student learning.

Why? Because, like it or not, they serve a crucial function—one that no other tool currently replaces. Yes, I understand the criticisms: these tests can be flawed, misused, and don’t capture the full picture of a student’s abilities. But even with these imperfections, they remain the best tool we have for measuring academic proficiency across the board. It’s important to acknowledge these imperfections while also recognizing their value.

We need a standardized way to assess proficiency to maintain a critical reference point. How do we know how our schools are performing compared to others? How do we gauge the academic standing of our district if there’s no common instrument to measure it? Standardized tests give us data, and with that data, we gain insight. We can see where our schools are falling short and, more importantly, where they’re succeeding. They help us identify areas for improvement and show us where to seek guidance.

For instance, if a neighboring district excels in areas where we’re struggling, standardized tests give us the framework to ask the right questions and learn from their success. As a Board Member, I’d actively pursue this—connecting with board members from high-performing districts to understand what’s working for them and how we might apply those lessons here.

Now, I fully acknowledge the time burden these tests place on both teachers and students. And I do think we need to do more to motivate students to take these tests seriously. Perhaps there’s room for innovation here—ways to incentivize better engagement with standardized testing, ensuring it’s not just another box to check, but something students and teachers alike value as a measure of progress. This value is what makes standardized tests an essential part of our education system.

So yes, I support standardized tests. But I also support improving them—making them more accurate, meaningful, and less of a drain on classroom time. The answer isn’t to throw them out but to use them more intelligently.

Final Exams: Testing Knowledge Acquired

Final exams in junior high and high school play a crucial role in assessing student learning. These exams offer an essential opportunity to evaluate the knowledge students have gained over the year. Unlike standardized tests, which measure performance across districts, final exams allow teachers and administrators to determine whether the curriculum is effectively absorbed in their classrooms. They also ensure that students are only being passed along or graduated with mastering the material they’re expected to know.

Final exams serve as a checkpoint for students to consolidate and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts. They encourage students to retain and apply what they’ve learned rather than passively moving from one topic to the next. In this sense, final exams are an essential part of the learning process itself, teaching students the importance of discipline, preparation, and mastery.

Moreover, final exams help reinforce accountability. Students can slip through the cracks without regular evaluations like these, moving forward without fully grasping the material. Exams ensure that we’re testing knowledge at critical junctures and ensuring readiness for the next academic step. For educators, these exams provide feedback on their teaching methods and give insight into areas where the curriculum may need adjustment.

So, just as standardized tests give us a broader view of how our schools compare, final exams give us a detailed, focused look at individual student progress. Both are essential to ensuring our students are receiving the education they deserve.

Thanks,

Elizabeth Hanke

Further Reading: Declining Test Scores: A Growing Concern and Potential Solutions