What is the primary purpose of standardized testing?

The primary purpose of standardized testing is to measure student achievement against a set of criteria. Standardized tests are designed to provide an objective assessment of student performance in various subject areas, allowing educators and policymakers to gauge how well students are meeting specific learning standards. These tests provide valuable data that can help identify areas where students excel and where they may need additional support.

By employing a consistent method for evaluating student knowledge, standardized tests can also facilitate comparisons across different schools and districts, contributing to a broader understanding of educational effectiveness. This objective measurement is crucial for guiding instructional practices, as it identifies trends in student performance that can inform curriculum development and teaching strategies.