Encourages ‘One Size Fits Few’ Teaching That Ignores Cultural Differences
“Testing leads to standardized instruction that ignores individual differences, needs and cultural variation, such as ‘scripting curriculum,’” the National Center for Fair and Open testing reports. “One size fits few, and that one size takes as its norm white, middle to upper class experiences and cultural practices.”
‘Stereotype Threat’ Can Have a Negative Impact on Black Students’ Test Scores
A report titled “Stereotypes Lower Test Scores” revealed that the mental anguish of understanding the low expectations placed on one’s self due to racial bias can actually cause that individual to perform poorly on academic evaluations. It’s a phenomenon that the report’s author refers to as “stereotype threat.” “In effect, the use of high-stakes testing in an overall environment of racial inequality perpetuates that inequality through the emotional and psychological power of the tests over the test-takers,” the report explains.
