Cultural Commentary Sources
In this academic article, Wayne Au discusses the downfalls of standardized testing in regards to racial equality. He begins by describing the history of standardized tests and provides a strong foundation to highlight that standardized tests were created to identify the inferiority of certain races when it comes to knowledge. He underscores that, although standardized tests are meant to close the inequality gap by providing all with the same standard of knowledge, it is actually doing the opposite. The standardized testing in the United States is furthering the racial inequality in the education system. Au takes it a step further by underscoring that it promotes such racial inequality by making people believe that they are bridging the gap between races in education.
Peter Sacks draws attention to the multiple drawbacks of standardized testing, and how it has created a system that puts value and emphasis on the wrong ideals. He argues that standardized tests have made education extremely superficial as teachers are now teaching what they believe will be on exams, rather than teaching what a student should learn. This drives learning in an undesirable direction, as students are memorizing facts for tests rather than truly learning. Sacks also highlights the correlation between the tests and socioeconomic class, which adds to the idea that standardized testing creates a gap between race and socioeconomic background, giving an unfair advantage to the wealthy. It analyzes the “true costs” of standardized testing and how this culture is detrimental to society.
In an analysis of the current education system in the United States, Matthew Knoestera and Wayne Au describe the detrimental effects of standardized testing on racial inequality. Their research supports the notion that standardized tests create a gap between races and socioeconomic classes, giving an unfair advantage to the wealthy and white. They argue that standardized tests are creating a culture of “white supremacy” and should not be used as a measure of “intelligence” in schools.
This political cartoon exposes the inequalities in the school system in America. While many may have the qualifications necessary to enter a good college, they are often denied this opportunity because of monetary reasons. These opportunities are unfairly given to those with wealth, even if they are not as qualified. It highlights the notion that wealth is often a more important factor than qualifications, which underscores the issues with the American system of education.
This video explores the question of whether the problem is the test or the test-takers. Kendi argues that the issue is the test and discusses the history of standardized testing. These tests were created to promote racial inequality and to create a gap in education between whites and people of color. He claims that these tests were designed to prove the intellectual inferiority of the poor and other minorities and are proof of racial differences today.
