Standardized tests are used all around the word except Finland. If we look at who does better at tests, it’s Finland! Schools are supposed to prepare us for the future. However, let’s look at now; in a regular business, are we given choices that determine our success. Is it really necessary to be able to recite all the battle of the civil war to get a job. Many parents are worried that their kids will fail these tests. But every parent should be worried whether their kid is being tested on the right stuff! I definitely agree that arithmetic and reading+writing skills are needed. But let’s be honest when you get out of school do you know how to get home, pay your taxes, or even cook food? Getting an insurance, buying a car, even starting a family? That needs to change.

    Let’s face it. Every kid is different, so brains function differently. But every student is taught with the same tactic, cramming. Not even cramming for a future, but for a test. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s almost like THATS the point of school. Cramming isn’t education. Let’s change that. Let’s test them so that they use their skills. Let’s incorporate creativity into our tests. Let’s not use to many right or wrong answers. Let’s get the broad picture. Teamwork should be graded too. Not the multiple choice. Let’s grade commutation, cooperation, things that we NEED in the future. Let’s practice our hobbies, help nurture our dreams! Then we have education. Let’s not waste our childhood, like we have for over a century! Let’s make every moment count.