A standardized test is designed for use in a uniform manner. Proper use of such test instruments requires giving and evaluating the test under controlled conditions.
If standardized tests are administered under uncontrolled conditions, the results will be unreliable. For example, if one group of students is given a strict time limit and another group is allowed unlimited time, the unequal testing environments can affect student performance, even though the tests are identical.
Standardized tests serve very specific purposes, such as measuring student achievement against a particular set of learning criteria, or identifying learning-disabled students in need of remedial assistance.
The United States relies heavily on the use of standardized testing, particularly in the kindergarten to 12th grade student populations. During the 1986-1987 academic year, educators administered more than 55-million standardized achievement, competency and basic-skills tests and another 40-million in special education and compensatory programs.
Proponents defend the ability of these tests to benchmark academic achievement. Opponents decry inherent biases against students from outside the mainstream culture, such as minority students, as well as insufficient standardization in test administration, among other issues.