In schools, there is a constant debate over whether or not standardized tests accurately measure a student's performance. While several recent articles on the usefulness of standardized testing continue to be published, it is clear that the debate remains a prevalent 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 take even more delay” (“Why it’s time to get rid of standardized tests”). To the contrary, a Seattle publication claims that standardized tests are the “only legitimate indicator of school performance and provide in-depth insight into students’ academic progress” (“What are the Pros and Cons of Achievement Tests?”). The argument over 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 examine the topic based on the external factors that can influence a student's thought process during a standardized test, such as anxiety, stress, and any other issues that the student might encounter. As a secondary mathematics education major, I will need to prepare my future students for standardized tests. By examining both sides of the standardized testing debate, I can learn to focus on the goals of standardized testing in order to apply them to other aspects of academia and real-world situations. Through the debate over whether to standardize or not... ... middle of article ......ormance varies widely: study"). With high standards, students can be challenged to a way that allows them to expand on their prior knowledge to develop critical thinking skills. High standards essentially prepare students for postsecondary education, as college admissions typically take into account students' test scores. 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 counseling at the. Albuquerque Academy, responds that “there is no doubt that standardized testing [is] an important piece of the puzzle in helping colleges decide which applicants will succeed if admitted. In fact, the emphasis on testing has increased. in recent years. » (“How Important Are Test Scores for College Applications? ? »?").