Stop standardized testing

Standardized testing is unfair to both students and teachers. It wastes time in the classroom that could be used for the original curriculum and it causes students to lose their motivation to learn. Due to standardized tests student drop out rates are at an all time high. Tests have become such a big obstacle that many students have no desire to finish their education. Our teachers are pressured into teaching to the test because half of their evaluation depends on student test scores. Often students have disadvantages when taking tests, and their scores are affected by variables outside tests control. Many students cannot pass and their teachers face punishment and can lose their jobs. If standardized testing is meant to be an accurate gauge of student knowledge it is utterly failing. Standardized testing is an obstacle to student success. We are not test scores and should be able to take control of our education. We all have the potential to go far in life and should not allow standardized tests to be an obstacle. Lets stand up and take back our education.