In practice, how well a test-taker performs on a standardized test can be impacted by external factors such as stress and not how well the test-taker knows the material.

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- False predictor of success
- Affected by wealth, race, and gender
- Restricts educational effectiveness
- Affects school funding

Cons of Standardized Tests

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Standardized Tests as False Predictors of Success

Test-makers tend to create questions that assume background knowledge more often held by white, male middle-class students, creating implicit bias within the tests. Wealthier students can also afford more intensive tutoring to prepare for the exam, leading to money being a primary factor in how a student performs. 

Standardized Tests Being Affected by Wealth, Race, and Gender

When teachers have to teach to prepare students for upcoming standardized tests, the information they teach must align with the material used in the test. This limits what teachers are able to teach their students and the overall effectiveness of the students' education.

Standardized Tests Restrict Educational Effectiveness

For public schools, district funding is often determined by standardized test scores. So, schools where students underperform on standardized tests will have their funds restricted for the next year.

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