Tests are given as a way to measure an individual’s knowledge on a given topic.  Standardized tests measure the knowledge of a person on a given topic and compare it to other people of the same age throughout the nation.  Typically standardized tests are used in public school systems as a way to measure the growth and achievement as compared to other children in the nation.  Standardized tests are also offered as a way to measure your overall academic aptitude for post secondary education.
 The most common types of standardized test used to measure scholastic aptitude include the Stanford 10, SAT, and ACT.  Scores taken from these tests are compiled and then ranked according to others who took the same test.  The average score on a standardized test is 50.  Those scoring above the 50th percentile are considered “above average” and those scoring below are ranked “below average”.  Public schools use the information on the scores of these tests to make curricular decisions.  Colleges use the scores of these tests as a means to gage whether or not you will be accepted into their school and be successful.
 The emphasis on standardized test scores has grown exponentially in the past decade.  America’s public school system has been highly scrutinized for graduating students with limited academic skills and unable to find gainful employment.  The “No Child Left Behind Act” was an initial attempt at improving accountability for student achievement through the use of standardized testing.  Public schools are now highly focused on teaching to state standards for education and providing remediation for students who are not meeting those standards. 
 Standardized testing is somewhat controversial.  When you start comparing students across the nation based only on standardized test scores, you have to consider the nature of the test itself.  Professionals, who develop standardized tests, use the test on a variety of subjects from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.  Still, it is nearly impossible to rule out any cultural bias within a standardized test.  Establishing a “norm” for a testing group is very difficult because of the variety of life experiences and education children experience.
 Public schools are required by law to accept all students regardless of their citizenship, race, socioeconomic level, or disabilities.  Standardized tests do not always take into account every possible scenario that a child comes to school with.  For example, students who are homeless, attend several schools within a school year, or have learning disabilities.  These students are most likely included in the “norm” sample when the standardized tests are developed.  However, no two children are the same or have similar circumstances which can be fairly be compared on standardized tests.
 Standardized tests are an important tool in measuring an individual’s achievement with those across the country.  However, standardized tests should be a single piece of information to consider when developing perceptions about a person’s overall achievement.  There are many successful people that did not score well on standardized tests.  Standardized tests do provide information about how a person ranks when compared to others across the nation.