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30+ Important Things That Tests Can’t Measure

young girl with paint on her hands

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.

important things that tests can't measure download graphic

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!

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Leave a Reply

Pearl

says:

Thank you for these wonderful reminders to acknolwedge our children’s strengths and put testing aside.

Robin

says: Customer Service

You are so welcome, Pearl!

Christi

says:

This is such a great read and so important. As a kid, everything was “teaching to the test” which is one of the many reasons I chose to homeschool my kids.

Robin

says: Customer Service

Christi,
Being free from teaching for the test is such a wonderful benefit of homeschooling!

Rachel

says:

This is so important!

Robin

says: Customer Service

Yes, thank you, Rachel!

Lydia

says:

So beautiful!

Robin

says: Customer Service

Thank you, Lydia!

Danielle

says:

I love this blog post. I’m just starting out homeschooling my 5 and 3 year old and must keep in mind that it’s not all about the standardized test results.

Robin

says: Customer Service

I’m glad this blog post is helpful for you, Danielle! Yes, there are so many very important things that are not measured by tests.

sarah

says:

Love this poster! Glad I stumbled upon it…definitely going up in my homeschool room!

Danielle

says:

Such an important reminder! Love this!

Robin

says: Customer Service

Thank you, Danielle!

Em

says:

Thank you so much for this. Those test scores can be so unfair and discouraging to students sometimes! Thank you so much for AAS & AAR!!!

Robin

says: Customer Service

You’re welcome, Em!

Sarah

says:

Yes!!! This is so important! I want to always be careful about what I’m praising in my children- and I want it to be the things that perseverance, kindness, good work ethics:)

Robin

says: Customer Service

Yes, such great points, Sarah! Years ago, I read a great article that described a study that showed the effect of what is praised. Students praised for effort were much more willing to work harder and longer than those praised for being smart.

Courtney Mayfield

says:

We’ve been homeschooling for 7 years and I still need this reminder sometimes when I start inching my way back to the educational process I grew up in. Thank you for this!

Robin

says: Customer Service

You’re welcome, Courtney. I’m glad this has been a helpful reminder for you!

Kristi Craig

says:

THIS!! Tests don’t tell it all!!!

Sarah

says:

So true, I love this!

J. Schmidt

says:

Thank you for the affirmation!

Elizabeth Schipper

says:

Exactly! Thank you for this!

Heather

says:

I couldn’t agree more! Love this.

Heather

says:

Couldn’t agree more! Love this.

Jennifer

says:

So true. We can get hung up on what they didn’t do well instead of what they learned and the fun they had along the way!

Courtney

says:

Yes, to all of this!

Kristen

says:

This is so true and such an encouragement.

Layla

says:

I love this!!

Amber Gomes

says:

I love when I get to talk to non-homeschoolers about why we don’t test. Thanks for all of the additional talking points! So many great things to consider.

Emily

says:

This is helpful!!

Emily

says:

So helpful!

Jocelyn

says:

Great Read – tests don’t define a persons full abilities & should only be used in context for reference or guideline to show growth in areas

Tammy

says:

I love this!

Kate

says:

There are so many other ways to assess what a kid knows other than a test. I love that this post shows that!

Denise

says:

This is one of the main reasons we are homeschooling!

Crystal

says:

Thank you for this important reminder!!

Jillian Bryant

says:

This is so encouraging!

Kasia

says:

I will share this article with my children. Thanks Marie!