History of Standardized Testing in America

In this episode, we explore the fascinating evolution of standardized testing in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the 1800s to its central role in modern education, we delve into the origins and impacts of these assessments to discover how standardized tests have shaped educational policies and influenced students’ lives. Research & Resources from the episode:  NEA - History of Standardized Testing in the US JSTOR - A Short History of Standardized Tests The Atlantic’s piece on testing UNC - Making the Grade NC ABCs Accountability Model from 1997 to 2012 U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, Testing in American Schools: Asking the Right Questions, OTA-SET-519 (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, February 1992). WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here. Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler Theme music provided by Rolesville Middle School’s Jamaal WellmanData, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System