PASSING THE TEST

Most high school students recognize how tests will influence their future.

These tests include the SAT, the ACT, advanced placement exams for college credit, IB tests for students in the International Baccalaureate, proficiency exams and pop quizzes.

Some students say the tests are excessive, while others believe that they're necessary.

"I personally don't like certain types of testing, and in some cases I don't feel that they really improve any skills, but they are needed to show how students compare, and to distinguish who's on top and who's on the bottom," says Green Valley High School senior Alex Wonnaparhown.

Green Valley Junior Samantha Haydock says that tests should not measure a student's aptitude, because under pressure, they might not be able to perform to their highest abilities.

"Even though I might know a subject really well, I sometimes don't do well on tests," Haydock says. "AP classes are so much work, and on top of that we have tests. We can't always do our best because of the situations we're in, such as coming to class after a long night of homework and no sleep."

Green Valley Principal Jeff Horn says that tests are a good way to measure a student's competency, but only if they are the appropriate exams.

"Tests might not reflect the true nature of a student's ability because sometimes tests aren't over the same material taught in class," he notes.

Horn says that certain exams, such as the AP and IB tests in particular, are beneficial, but others are a poor use of time.

"Students are tested far too often," he says. "There are many other important things students can be doing, and at times, testing takes time away from learning."

The value of proficiency tests has been debated among school administrators, teachers and those who are most affected: students.

"If it was my decision, I would still have everyone take the proficiencies," says Wonnaparhown, "so the teachers can see who's learning the material and who's not, so that those students can receive help and improve their futures."

Horn says students should have specific requirements to meet, but that the proficiency tests might not fit these requirements.

"It's important to have standards for students to meet to receive a diploma, but I'm definitely not a huge fan of proficiency tests because they are not necessarily the right standards for student competency," he says. "We are seeing the trend of the district taking over and standardizing tests, but our teachers are capable of giving students their own tests."

According to Collegeboard.com, a Web site about college entrance requirements, the SAT continues to be the nation's most widely taken standardized college admissions test. Along with the SAT, the ACT is said to be a major component in deliberating a student's admission.

"I think that the test scores should be considered less in the application process because scores are not good enough judges of a student's qualifications," Haydock says. "The process should focus more on things like interviews and the student's overall achievements."

Wonnaparhown agrees that tests should not be the main factor in college admissions.

"Other factors such as their personality and accomplishments should be equally, if not more important," he says, "but the tests are a good indicator in showing that the applicant has a high intelligence capacity."

Horn may reassure students, noting that while scores do weigh in, colleges look at other criteria as well.

"Most schools look at the whole picture, including grades, extracurriculars, and teacher and administrator recognition," Horn says. "Students have the opportunity to retake tests such as the SAT and ACT, so it's not a life or death thing."