Facts and Fictions about Standardized Testing

Undergraduate #351
Discipline: Science and Mathematics Education
Subcategory: Education

Jessica Hathaway - Elizabeth City State University
Co-Author(s): Linda B. Hayden, Cheryl J. Lewis, Cameron Bernado, and Joselyn Hathaway, Elizabeth City State University Dr. Cheryl J. Lewis Mentor Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC Cameron Bernado Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC Joselyn Hathaway Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC

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Criticism of standardized tests is nothing new [1]. Banesh Hoffman, professor of mathematics and former collaborator with Albert Einstein, made exactly this point in his 2003 book ‘The Tyranny of Testing’. Some standardize test have been found to be culturally bias, and have not necessarily been an accurate predictor of student success in undergraduate or graduate school. Due to these concerns, testing companies, colleges/universities, and test-takers are seeking ways to level the playing field. As a result, several questions have been raised: 1) Is standardized testing really necessary and can these tests truly predict ones success in their academic career and/or profession? 2) What are the characteristics of people who do well or poorly on these tests? 3) Is there a magical formula to passing a standardized test? 4) Has research proved that certain test-taking strategies are more effective than others? 5) Are there campus/institution practices/interventions that can be used to successfully address problem areas and/or to close achievement gaps? This group of researchers examined various test-taking techniques and tips, as a means to identify, select, and/or reject ‘common’ test-prep endorsements that will aid to the enhancement of one’s success rate on test day. There has been a number of studies conducted that have been very effective in improving the test scores of individuals who are taking standardized testing (such as the SAT, ACT, PRAXIS, GMAT, and GRE).

Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF (National Science Foundation).

Faculty Advisor: Linda B. Hayden, haydenl@mindspring.com

Role: The team worked on comparing the different historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) entrance exams of the freshman, the retention rates, the amount that graduated, and the scores to get into the HBCU's. My university focused was Hampton University, but we also looked at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).