Standardized Testing Within K-12 Education

b.A.A.d Neg

Austin High School negates the resolution with the following observations.

First.  

Due to the present tense wording of the resolution the pro must demonstrate the benefits of the status quo implementation of standardized testing not just the idea of it.

Second.

The ultimate goal of K-12 education as defined by the White House^[1] is the

[One] Preparation of students to succeed in college and the workplace, ambitious efforts to develop effective teachers, [two] smarter data systems to measure student growth and success, and [three] helping educators improve teaching and learning.

So if by the end of the round the con proves why these tests are undermining these impacts, you will negate because it would mean that standardized tests does not further the purpose of K to 12, in turn harming it.

 Contention 1: Disadvantaged Students

Underprivileged students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are students hurt greatest by standardized tests, and the impact is significant because the National Center for Education^[2] finds that low-income students now make up 51% of all American students, a significant majority.

There are 3 justifications as to why poor students are oppressed by standardized tests.

1. Poor schools are unable to buy textbooks

Broussard^[3] of the Atlantic writes that standardized tests are not based on general knowledge but rather on specific knowledge contained in textbooks created by the test makers. Last year in Philadelphia, for example, schools were allotted zero dollars per students in textbooks. This is critical, because as Broussard furthers, when a problem exists in Philadelphia schools, it generally also exists in other schools across the nation – namely, in New York, DC, and LA.

1. Low quality of teaching

Joseph^[4] of Working in These Times Magazine explains that underfunded schools often resort to hiring lower-paid instructors that are less qualified to teach, compared to more prosperous schools that are able to hire better teachers.

1. Poor students are unable to afford test preparation

Blumgart^[5] of Jacobin Magazine explains that standardized testing produces a hierarchical system where low-income students with little to no access to test prep are hindered compared to their wealthier peers.

The impacts are horrendous.

First.

Increased Dropout rates.

Reardon^[6] of Penn State quantifies that high-stakes 8th grade tests are associated with an 8 percent higher drop-out rate later on in high school that disproportionately affects students of low socioeconomic status.