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
Our readers shared a few more qualities that tests can't measure:
- Tests can't measure imagination. (Ashley P.)
- Tests can't measure how amazing our kids are! (Heather)
- Tests can't reflect the joy of listening to a child read and act out a story with great expression and delight. (Pam C.)
- Tests can't easily measure a child's logic skills. (Learner)
- Tests can't measure the gifts possessed by these young people, but especially their hearts. (Stacey)
- Tests can't measure if a child will be a good citizen, a good husband or wife, or a good parent. (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can't measure how much our children are loved and wanted. (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can't measure success because learning is a journey in life...practice always makes progress! (Susanna Y.)
- Tests can't measure faith, trust, hope, reliability, or depth of character. (Laura)
- Tests can't measure friendship. (Sara)
- Tests can't measure self-worth. (Sarah)
- Tests can't measure what a child really knows. (Janet)
- Tests can’t measure curiosity or determination. (Maceo and Mama Pat)
- Tests can’t measure daily progress. (Sue)
- Tests can’t measure effort. (Alison S.)
- Tests can’t measure a child’s potential. (Diana)
- Tests can’t measure resiliency. (Lori C.)
- Tests can’t measure diligence and determination. (Wendy T.)
Is your child still feeling discouraged about a test score? Surround her with encouraging words!
Erum Alam
says:Hello, that is very nice and informative material .
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Erum!
Samantha Sinclair
says:Great encouragement, thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Samantha!
Kimberly
says:Encouraging to read as we struggle with a child who doesn’t test well in some subjects but has so many other strengths
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad this was encouraging for you, Kimberly.
Rachel
says:So true!
Lisa
says:Amen! Such truth. My bigs, who started in a traditional school setting, scored well on tests, but I always wanted to hear more about their character when we met for parent teacher conferences. Unfortunately in a traditional classroom it seems the push for measureable academic success outweighs the character growth that must also be vital piece of education.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes, a good point, Lisa. Thank you.
Tiffany
says:Such a sweet reminder!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Tiffany!
Rena
says:I love this!
Dannielle Shunk
says:These are important things that public schools don’t remember when they put kids into categories.
Carrie Phillips
says:I love this! It’s so true!!
Maria
says:My son said it felt like I lifted an anvil off of his chest when I told him he would no longer need to take standardized tests as a homeschooler. He loves to learn but has always struggled with testing.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceOh, the poor child, Maria! I am so glad that he now has that weight off his chest.
Sara
says:A great reminder to let our kids be themselves and not be defined by test scores.
Isabel C
says:What a great reminder! Tests can’t measure a love of learning or a child’s character.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes! So true, Isabel.
Emily Cargile
says:Wow, this is so important to remember! I get caught up in the day to day minutae forget about these things sometimes!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceIt is easy to get caught up in our daily busyness, Emily. I think we all need a reminder from time to time. I’m glad this was helpful for you.
Mara
says:Yes!! Yes yes yes!! This was such an encouraging read for me as a newer homeschooling mom. This is our first year testing our son. He has some test anxiety and isn’t on the same grade level as some of his peers, but we are trying to meet him where he is at and really pay attention to his needs versus pressuring him to advance and meet certain criteria. We now know that all of that will come. But this was such a wonderful reminder that the test he will take is not a reflection of who he is and what he is capable of. He has so much love for others, is a compassionate soul, and is the most caring child I know. Thank you for this reminder!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are so very welcome, Mara! I’m glad this was encouraging for you.
Lisa
says:A great reminder!
Brittany c.
says:What a beautiful reminder ❤️
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Brittany!
Rachel
says:Wow, very encouraging and informative. Thank you
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Rachel.
Andrew
says:A test can not measure honor
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSo true, Andrew!
Amy T.
says:Test can not measure the confidence a child gains when they have finally mastered a skill, and the joy they express when they realize they can do something now that was a struggle for them before.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes, so true, Amy! Wonderfully put.
Dawn Williams
says:Love this!! Such a good reminder!
Heidi
says:I want to print this and keep it close by. Such a good reminder. Thank you for sharing.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Heidi.
Amy Cox
says:This was a blessing to read. Need to be reminded sometimes of the goal
Elaina
says:This is so encouraging!
Christine
says:I think alot of these get lost on a daily basis, we need a daily reminder, good info!!
Tracey
says:So true! Love this article.
Margaret Hadam
says:Totally agree! I think this gets lost in schools today, and even we parents forget that.
Charissa Reed
says:Good reminder that tests are not everything.
Stephanie Jackson
says:Love this article. Thank you for sharing this
Erma
says:All about spelling has been such a blessing for us! Our daughter has some hand eye coordination problems and I love that with thos program there isnt a lot of writing. Because it’s hands on, she retains the concepts much better anyway. Love this program!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so pleased that this program is working so well for your daughter, Erma! Thank you for sharing.
Samantha
says:Every parent and child needs to see this!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWe agree, Samantha! ?