Standardized Testing

            My children recently went through standardized testing at school. I had never given much thought to this testing until having read The Big Test by Nicholas Lemann.  It is a book about how and why the SAT was developed and its role in society.  Originally, it had been used by some well-intentioned Ivy League university presidents to identify bright minds of different socioeconomic backgrounds and offer them the elite education until then reserved for members of the wealthiest and most influential families. While the original premise was respectable, Lemann does a wonderful job exemplifying how the SAT has fallen short of its promise in leveling the socioeconomic playing field and has done more to perpetuate an elite culture based on financial advantage.

            Lemann goes further and examines the policy of affirmative action, that like the implementation of standardized testing, came into existence without a broad national discussion. Affirmative action was a result of a presidential executive order.  Considering myself a strong proponent of affirmative action, I felt very disheartened by the realization of what an insignificant band aid affirmative action is and what systemic social change was sacrificed at the signing of this order.   Affirmative action was intended to address issues of inequality by lifting a small portion of underrepresented minorities up to higher education and employment.  Much like the SAT, it reinforces that elite culture instead of guaranteeing equal education and opportunity for all, not just a select few.  One is left wondering where would our country now be had these two very influential social determining factors not been implemented.  Had the country been forced to truly address unequal education, and hiring practices what would our country look like today?  What would the face of higher education and government look like?

            When my children take standardized test, I think differently in that I really think about it, and that I have a new awareness and ambivalence about the ramifications of testing.  What before seemed so innocuous now takes on a darker tone.  I wonder if everyone were to read The Big Test, would we, as a society, challenge the status quo and renew a fresh commitment to dealing with systemic inequalities and ideas of merit. I certainly have.