Standardized Tests Are An Effective Measure Of Student Ability.

Standardized testing has its roots in ancient civilizations, with early forms seen in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), where civil service examinations were introduced to evaluate candidates for government positions. These tests were designed to measure knowledge in Confucian philosophy, poetry, and administrative skills, setting a precedent for objective assessments. In the 19th century, the idea of standardized assessments gained traction in Western education. In the United Kingdom, the Industrial Revolution spurred the need for efficient education systems, and standardized testing was implemented to evaluate large numbers of students systematically. The Prussian education model influenced countries like the United States, emphasizing uniform curricula and testing. In the early 20th century, advancements in psychology, particularly by Alfred Binet in France, led to the development of intelligence tests. In the U.S., these evolved into tools like the SAT.