In schools, there is a constant debate over whether or not standardized tests accurately measure a student's performance. As numerous recent articles continue to be published on the usefulness of standardized tests, it is evident that the debate remains a common controversy. For example, Noliwe M. Rooks wrote in TIME magazine that "if less is expected of some students, those lower educational expectations will become a self-fulfilling prophecy for school districts, and those students will fall even further behind" ("Why It It's Time to Eliminate Standardized Testing"). In contrast, a Seattle publication claims that standardized tests are "the only legitimate indicator of schools' performance and offer an in-depth snapshot of students' academic progress" ("What are the advantages and disadvantages of achievement tests?" ). The question of whether or not standardized tests accurately measure a student's performance continues to be debated. In this article, I would like to argue that standardized tests do not accurately measure a student's performance. After reviewing various opinions on standardized testing, I will consider the topic regarding external factors that can influence a student's thinking process during a standardized test, such as anxiety, stress, and any other issues the student may be experiencing. As a Secondary Mathematics major, I will need to prepare my future students for standardized tests. Through examining both sides of the standardized testing debate, I can learn how to focus on the goals of standardized testing to apply them to other aspects of academia and real-life situations. Through the debate over whether or not to standardize.. . ...middle of paper ......very variable formats: study"). With high standards, students can challenge themselves in a way that allows them to expand their previous knowledge in order to develop thinking skills critical. High standards essentially prepare students for postsecondary education since college admissions usually take into account students' scores on standardized tests, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Testing Program ( ACT), while making the decision to accept or reject a student Ralph Figueroa, director of College Guidance at Albuquerque Academy, responds that "there is no question that standardized testing [is] an important piece of the puzzle in help colleges decide which applicants will be successful if admitted. In fact, the importance placed on tests has grown in recent years" ("How Important Are Test Scores to College Applications?").