Standardized Tests In The United States
A job or exam is usually an educational examination designed to measure the knowledge, skill, aptitude or category in various subjects. It may also measure how much a person knows about a topic. The exam or test is usually given to a large audience and is usually held in a controlled environment. Sometimes, the exam is held outside the classroom and the question papers and other materials are handed out to the examinees. This type of exam has many advantages.
First, standardized tests can be taken from a variety of places. Students can choose to take exams that are administered in libraries or classrooms. Online exams can also be taken and then submitted online. Students who want to take a standardized test can do so in a short period of time.
Second, students taking standardized examinations can be assured that they will receive grades that are fairly comparable to the final grade they would receive if they were taking the actual exam in a classroom. Grades for standardized tests are often different from those for ungraded examinations. For example, if a student fails a physical fitness exam, he does not normally receive a grade of 100 percent because he did not pass it in the traditional way. Students taking standardized examinations will receive their results in a predetermined number of hours based on how fast they completed the course.
Third, students taking standardized tests can be sure that they will not receive any punishment if they fail. In most cases, failing an exam can result in some form of punishment, usually in terms of losing privileges at an educational institution. In some cases, failure of tests may result in failing grades. In both cases, the educational institution may decide to give points based upon the circumstances.
Fourth, standardized tests are administered in a controlled environment. The types of controlled environments may vary from one educational institution to another. In some schools, standardized tests are administered in the school’s lounge. In other schools, standardized tests may be administered in the teacher’s lounge or in the school library. In still other schools, standardized tests may be administered in outdoor settings such as a sports field. Where the test is administered will affect the way in which questions and answers are presented and the format in which they will be presented.
Fifth, the administering of standardized tests can be done by independent professionals such as private instructors or independent testing companies. In the United States, these professional examiners are commonly employed by the U.S. Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Commerce. These examiners are often responsible for designing and administering the tests themselves. However, in some cases, local school districts may also administer tests.