Did you Know

Standardized tests and other exams are routine components of the academic experience. Tests are designed to measure how well students have learned, but exams can trigger test anxiety for some students. Research says 40 to 60 percent of students in grades K through 12 experience test anxiety, which is often tied to having to take timed tests, according to Edutopia. When under a time constraint, the ability to recall known information can falter. Timed tests may be particularly stressful for students who have diagnosed learning disabilities. ADA.gov says the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals with disabilities are accommodated. That includes a requirement that testing entities “offer exams in a manner accessible to persons with disabilities.” For some, this may mean having extra time, even on timed tests. Some educators feel that timed tests are a false measure of intelligence, as the speed at which a student answers does not directly correlate to actual understanding and intellect.