Testing fairness starts at school

Standardized testing is one of the most influential parts of a student's academic journey. Exams like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or state assessments determine a student's future, scholarships, and even school funding. Despite their importance, students are tasked with the burden of preparing for these high-stakes tests on their own. The other option is to pay high rates for tutoring programs. The high school should provide help with these standardized tests because it promotes fairness, reduces stress, and strengthens academics in our student body as whole, leading to a net benefit for both students and administration.

First, offering standardized testing support would promote fairness among all students. While some families can afford private tutors or online courses, it is simply not an option for others to do the same. A Harvard-based team of researchers and policy analysts found that children of the wealthiest one percent of Americans were 13 times more likely to score 1300 or higher on SAT tests than children of low-income families.

This testing inequality is evident among students at the high school, as three juniors who got a 1500 or higher on their SAT claim that they spent upwards of $3,000 for private tutoring. This creates an unfair advantage where success on said tests can depend more on a family's resources rather than the student's ability and hard work. If the high school provided free or more affordable methods such as prep sessions or practice tests, every student would have an equal chance to succeed regardless of their economic means.

Second, testing support would help ease the stress that many students at the high school face, especially during their junior and senior year. Junior Aaron Wee confirms this idea, stating, "The line before the SAT was probably the most stressful moment of my academic career, if not my life." Compiled with AP classes, extracurriculars, and college applications, it may seem a little overwhelming for students to worry about standardized tests on top of this. By providing or offering in school programs, after school sessions, or something over the summer, the school would create a more supportive environment for all students. It is clear that students both perform and feel better when they are prepared and supported. To conclude, standardized testing help should be implemented at the school, as it is beneficial for students, and better yet, the community as a whole.