Whenever standardized test scores are dismal, the tests themselves are said to reflect “systemic racism” (“Racial-equity warriors are hurting the disadvantaged by dumbing down schools,” New York Post, Mar. 10). Standardized tests are hardly perfect, but they shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.
I believe that these instruments should be used primarily for diagnostic purposes. Finland, which is known for the quality of its schools, has long done this. Schools are not named and shamed but instead provided immediate feedback. As a result, teachers can modify their instruction to better help students learn.
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