Test anxiety in 3rd grade students caused by TAKS testing

p Hosey 20 CHAPTER 1 Introduction If you are a hardworking American then you know about tax season . For most of us it is a highly anticipated time because we reap a financial compensation resulting from a long and hard year 's work . For a majority of us , this is a jovial season which comes once a year

Comparably , for many Texans there is also TAKS season . For those who are not familiar with the current educational jargon .all public schools in Texas are required by the state to take a

test called the TAKS test Pronounced like the word tax , TAKS stands for Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

The state of Texas seems to be exceedingly fixated on the use of standardized testing consequently using student test scores as a means to measure levels of achievement while at the same time holding the students , schools , and districts accountable for their success and outcome . Without a doubt , President George W . Bush 's federal No Child Left Behind Act , emphasizes a high priority on testing and accountability as levers for improving student achievement across the country

Though this act may be very sound , it does come with a hefty price tag one that falls on the shoulders of students who are not prepared to handle such a toll . Many would agree the TAKS test would serve a better purpose if it were used as a diagnostic instrument rather than the deciding factor for students to advance to the next grade . However , the fact of the matter is students are required to pass in to move on to the next grade level . Critics of the system have insisted that it has promoted teaching to the test ' a focus on increased test scores rather than authentic learning , and have triggered a high level of test anxiety and stress in young elementary students . It seems we have made a mistake of integrating a politician 's sense of accountability with what should be a top priority in our children 's classrooms

The Problem Students in grades three through twelve , attending Texas public schools are being held accountable for their performances on a standardized test mandated by the state . There seems to be an placed on these tests . Consequently , a sense of stress and fear are embedded into the students whom are required to take them

Third grade students , whom are the youngest of this group , are faced with their first pivotal educational feat . As a result , they are likely to experience a tremendous amount undue anxiety and stress which may be directly linked to the intense requirements the state places on the TAKS . This level of pressure to perform acceptably trickles down the educational hierarchy which ultimately falls on the students

Stress at such a young age can have many negative effects on a child . It is highly likely that the added pressure and stress on the students affects their ability to function normally prior to and during the test resulting in a decreased...