Standardized testing is a method of evaluating student performance that compares test scores against a pre-established standard or "norm." These tests are typically multiple-choice and are administered on a large scale to a specific group of students, usually in the same grade level or academic subject. The purpose of standardized testing is to measure student learning and progress, to assess the effectiveness of educational programs, and to ensure accountability for schools, teachers, and students. However, critics of standardized testing argue that these tests do not accurately reflect a student's overall abilities and can be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status and test anxiety.
