30+ Important Things That Tests Can’t Measure

There are many things that standardized tests can’t measure.

Tests can’t predict who will “succeed” in life, regardless of your definition of success. Tests can’t tell a child how or even what he needs to improve. Tests penalize our most creative thinkers. And our world needs all the creative problem solvers it can get.

So when I get an email or phone call from a parent whose child has scored poorly on a standardized test, my immediate hope is that the child hasn’t taken the test scores to heart.

That’s because I’ve seen what can happen when a child takes a test score too seriously. The shoulders that slouch in defeat. The voice that shakes with embarrassment. The sad eyes that let you know your child feels he’s let you down.

Ugh. It makes me want to stomp my foot and tell the child, “It just doesn't matter. You are NOT your test score!”

Share Our Poster with Your Child

Help your child recognize the importance of the virtues that tests can’t measure. Hang our colorful and inspirational poster on your refrigerator or schoolroom wall as a visual reminder that character traits like creativity, generosity, and honesty are much more important than test scores!

After downloading our beautiful poster, please share this post with as many people as you can! This is an important topic that extends far beyond reading and spelling.

Things that Standardized Tests Can’t Measure

There are many (very important!) things that tests just can’t accurately measure. For example:

• A test can’t measure the compassion that shines in the eyes of a child caring for a chick that has fallen from its nest.
• A test can’t measure the generosity shown by a boy who gives his birthday money to the homeless man on the corner.
• A test can’t measure the creativity that has been poured into every priceless piece of artwork that hangs on the refrigerator.
• A test can’t measure the joy a little girl feels while slow dancing on her daddy's feet in the living room after dinner.
• A test can’t measure the determination it takes for a child with dyslexia to complete just one reading assignment.
• A test can’t measure the love that is wrapped up in the warmth of a child's embrace.

Children everywhere deserve to know this: You are NOT your test score.

You are so much more.

More Things Tests Can’t Measure

Is your child still feeling discouraged about a test score? Surround her with encouraging words!