The flawed history of testing - and how we move beyond it

Standardized testing is a 150-year practice under growing scrutiny. But how do we move away from it? Stand Together Investigates took a deep dive into testing, and the pioneering schools that have ditched it in favor of learning.
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Standardized testing has been a cornerstone of the American education system for over 150 years, but is it effective? Many argue no. Originally implemented during the Industrial Revolution at the same time as mandatory schooling, designed to train a compliant workforce, standardized tests gained prominence with policies like No Child Left Behind, which tied school funding to test performance.
Critics argue that standardized tests fail to measure valuable qualities such as empathy, passion, and curiosity. They also point out that the high-stakes nature of these tests can lead to increased anxiety among students, potentially hindering their performance. And perhaps most crucially, the all-around pressure to improve test scores has resulted in some schools "teaching to the test" rather than focusing on comprehensive, meaningful learning.
So the question is, what would we do instead? Alternative approaches to assessing student progress are emerging. Some schools are adopting personalized learning models that emphasize student-led projects, growth transcripts, and demonstrations of knowledge aligned with individual interests. These methods aim to provide a more holistic view of student capabilities and better prepare them for real-world challenges.
While standardized tests still play a role in many school systems due to state mandates, and can provide some valuable information for a moment in time, there's a growing movement to explore more diverse and comprehensive ways of measuring student learning. The debate continues on how to balance accountability with fostering creativity, critical thinking, and individual growth in education.
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Watch more videos about educational approaches defying the norm in Stand Together’s Education Revolution playlist ► • K-12 Education Revolution
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[@CorvusLiberatus]

As a highly self-directed learner, even into my adulthood, I would have loved to go to a school like One Stone. Even if that type of school doesn't become the norm, it should at least be an option in every school district.

[@StandTogetherCC]

Thank you for commenting!

[@afrophoenix3111]

It is very encouraging to see schools like these recognizing that students aren't cogs in a factory machine. The individualized, personalized approaches to learning adapt to each student to let them learn what and how they need to learn. Just like our current education standards were revolutionized for an industrial workforce two centuries ago, the Dept of Ed needs to take a hard look, apply lessons learned about pedagogy and the missteps of the last 25 years, and reform education into something that really serves each student, where they are, and gives them the opportunities they need.

[@StandTogetherCC]

Thank you for your insights. It's encouraging to see schools adopting personalized learning approaches that cater to individual student needs. You're right; educational standards need continuous evaluation and reform to truly serve each student effectively.

[@kris.listen748]

Wow! This is incredible. These children are going to be trailblazers in whatever field they enter. Kudos to these amazing schools! ❤

[@StandTogetherCC]

We agree! Thank you for commenting!

[@Ronkz]

thamn having a teacher help you plan out you plan out your future business is so good

[@StandTogetherCC]

Right? Such a practical, useful approach to equipping students with the skills to move through this world.

[@tylerbakeman]

Multiple-choice questions still govern our education system. It’s stupid.

[@Earl-ol3kf]

So students are excellent so lets let them give them college or Trade School credit points no student is the same everyone has a special way in learning

[@Ribberflavenous]

So they are teaching kids to operate the table finger remover without a guard (8:46)? Good to know. Well, almost everything is typed with thumbs anymore, so not all that important anyway.

[@SamJohnson-OneStone]

Good catch @Ribberflavenous -- I'm the coach who was shown in the video. The table saw we have is a SawStop (so our main injury risk is a kickback), but we absolutely use a guard for all our cuts (you can see it at 9:19 in the foreground). In this circumstance, the video producers asked us if we could remove the guard for the shot. The student performing the cut was skilled and experienced, and the cut was very straightforward, so I allowed it.

[@JelenaVM]

it's not testing but lack of preparation that stresses the students out.

[@randykintzley5923]

Every country that is doing a better at math and science is using tests to measure learning and adapt curriculum as needed. Those poor people. I guess they don't know that they are using an "ineffective and stressful" system. Someone should let them know quickly so they quit out-pacing us at an embarrassing rate.