The Contradiction of Standardized Tests

In less than two weeks I am taking the Praxis II for Social Science. I have been studying for it, but am very nervous. I have always been a poor test taker, however, I have always also been a good student.

Most of my professors and many of the teachers that I talk to make it very apparent that they do not like standardized tests. I don't understand why these kinds of tests are so important when those most closely connected with education do not care for them. I definitely do not understand why teachers do not think these tests are a good measure of learning, but it is a requirement to take one in order to be certified as a teacher.

I do not know what the answer to this problem is, but I do no think that standardized tests are a good way to measure my ability to be a good teacher or a good measure of how intelligent students are. Evaluation of learning should be challenged and modified. Students learn and express that learned information in numerous ways and should be able to show that. Tests are not always the best answer.

It is a contradiction that I am being taught and told that these kinds of tests are not a good measure of learning, yet being forced to take them and will one day be a part of giving them to students.