In an effort to raise test scores at any cost, schools are placing more and more emphasis on teaching the test. This might not seem like a major problem at first, but take a closer look.
The point of these tests is supposedly to make sure that students are performing basic skills at an adequate level. Low scores would indicate that the quality of education at that school is also low, which has all sorts of consequences for the school in question. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to show high or improving scores.
To that end, schools modify their programs in several ways. Classes that are deemed unnecessary are cut out to allow more funding and time to test preparation. Art and music are the first to go, but what you might not know is that physical education, science, and geography are often cut out as well. In the worst-case scenarios, such as in inner-city schools, recess is a thing of the past, after-school programs are nonexistant, and lunch is cut down to half an hour or 20 minutes.
The result? Creativity, exercise, and an understanding of the world in which we live, are sacrificed.
Well, you might say, at least the kids can read and do math problems really well. That has to count for something.
And it does, but it's a very minor something because you have to consider the long-term consequences. These children are future members of society, future leaders. And they are being handicapped by the pressures of these tests. No one that young should have to face the debilitating stress of these tests, especially if all other activities are cut down or at least relegated to lesser importance. They are being taught to respond by rote, like robots, instead of being encouraged to be innovative and curious. They are not going to learn; all they are being taught is how to memorize and parrot back information. Are these children going to be productive members of society when they grow up, with that kind of background? I think not.