February 2024

The Purpose and Value of Standardized Testing

and Ways to Manage Testing Related Stress

Jennifer Williams, Dean of Academics

As we begin spring semester of this school year, students from lower school to high school will begin to take standardized tests covering content and standards they have learned throughout the year. Some may see these standardized tests as just another assessment, but these tests play a crucial role in education and have several important purposes.

Lower school students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) published by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) April 22-26. First and second grade students are assessed over multiple domains: auditory comprehension, mathematics, reading comprehension and word analysis. Second graders are also assessed over writing mechanics. Third, fourth and fifth graders are assessed over multiple domains as well: mathematics, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, vocabulary, writing concept and skills and writing mechanics. Testing is spread out over the course of five days so students are testing between 60 and 90 minutes each morning. 

Middle school students will take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) published by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) April 16-18. During the three testing days, middle school students will be in testing the first two hours of the school day. Middle schoolers will be assessed on seven domains: verbal reasoning, mathematics, reading comprehension, writing skills and concepts, vocabulary, quantitative reasoning, and writing mechanics. Seventh and eighth graders who are currently taking Algebra I will also take an Algebra I assessment. 

High school students in grades nine through eleven took the PSAT and Pre-ACT back in the fall. Students are administered practice exams for both the SAT and ACT as these exams have some similarities and differences. Both exams evaluate similar topics, including reading, writing and mathematics. The reading and writing sections are entirely passage-based on both. These sections measure students’ proficiency in key areas that help determine college readiness.  Although the SAT and ACT share many similarities, some key distinctions are worth noting. Below are some key differences between the two tests:

• SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and ACT composite scores range from 1 to 36.

• The SAT includes reading, writing and math (with calculator) and math (no calculator). The ACT includes English, math (with calculator for entire section), reading, science and writing (optional essay).

• ACT has a dedicated science section where SAT does not.

• For the math section, both tests cover arithmetic, algebra I and II, geometry and trigonometry, but the SAT also covers data analysis, while the ACT covers probability and statistics.

Colleges and universities often accept both exams as part of their admissions processes and to determine scholarship awards for incoming students. We find it important to allow our high school students to practice both exams so they can make an informed decision on which exam they would like to take and submit to their desired colleges and universities. 

High school students who are taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course will be required to take an AP exam in May. Students will either test for three hours in the morning or three hours in the afternoon based upon the published schedule from College Board. These exams give students the opportunity to receive college credit for courses in which they demonstrate mastery. Students are assessed on a scale of 1-5 for their performance on the AP exam. A vast number of colleges and universities will award students credit for the course if they score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam. There are some colleges and universities with stricter policies that require a 4 or 5 to receive credit. It is important for students to research their desired programs at their desired college or university to determine the specific AP requirements.

Standardized tests provide an objective and standardized way to measure the academic performance of students. They offer a common measurement to assess the knowledge and skills of students across different schools, districts, or states. The data obtained from standardized tests can be analyzed by teachers and administrators to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs, identify areas of improvement, guide professional development, and ensure the school is meeting certain academic standards. Scores from AP exams even determine if high school students will receive college credit for courses they have taken. As our students at Prince embark on upcoming assessments, it is important students perform to the best of their abilities so the data we receive gives an accurate picture of our educational measures and their academic abilities.

Although standardized testing plays a valuable role in the educational process, the stress and anxiety associated with these exams can be challenging and have negative effects on a student’s performance and well-being. The National Institute of Health has found that test anxiety can be through study and preparation and by being proactive with proper rest and nutrition.

Students at Prince Avenue Christian School are well-prepared and have all the tools they need to be successful on standardized tests. However, if students are feeling anxious about testing, they should reach out to their teachers, guidance counselors, or our student advisor for support.