Standardized tests have become the barometer in measuring the competency of children to take on higher learning or move to a more advanced educational level. However, for a former teacher who flunked the SAT tests, these standardized tests don't matter at all. Now, she's telling children that it's their "ideas and passion" that will bring them to the epitome of success.
Flunking SAT Tests
Abi Elphinstone, a former English teacher, took the SAT tests and flunked it. She received 40 percent in English and only 25 percent in Math. Instead of grieving, the former teacher took to Facebook and posted this message, "I just took the 2016 SAT tests. I failed."
The picture Elphinstone posted on Facebook, as Today reported, shows a smiling Elphinstone holding a hand-written sign where she was telling kids that they need not worry about their SAT scores. She also said that it's "ideas and passion" that will bring kids to their goals.
Ideas And Passion Matter, Not SAT Scores
Here's what Elphinstone wrote on the sign she was showing, "Kids, you don't need to know what a modal verb or subordinating conjunctive is to get where you want in life." Her second sentence was, "You need ideas and passion - so go on adventures, dream BIG and don't worry about your SAT scores."
Elphinstone also mentioned that she considers English exams as one containing "irrelevant and obscure information" that does not do much in enriching the learning process of a child. This irrelevancy and obscurity is the reason why she takes issue with this UK English standardized tests made for elementary-aged students.
Standardized Test Scores Are Given Weight
Elphinstone's experience is just one among the many sentiments of those who negate the importance of standardized tests. However, according to College Transitions, the importance of these tests has become more pervading today. Rankings are given weight whenever one wishes to enter an educational institution.
Although Elphinstone's stand that "ideas and passion" bring success to kids, it still cannot be denied that educational institutions still give weight to standardized test scores. To be on the safe side, kids must pursue their passion, yet also strive to do well in these standardized tests.
