John Oliver on Standardized Testing

On Last Week Tonight with John Oliver he discussed the standardized testing that states require students to take. He argued against the testing because it did not improve students performance. He used comedy and informal language to persuade his viewers to agree with him. He gave performance rates and other statistics but he said them in a very informal and conversational manner. His uses of jokes and comedic language kept people engaged. If this information was presented formally people would get board and not pay attention to what he is saying. He is able to keep people entrained while informing them on such an important topic.
Standardized tests are not accurate portrayals of a students intelligence. Tests are regulated and standardize too strongly that it does not suit everyone. Every student learns different and even the most intelligent student may not perform well on a test.

In order to truly determine ones intelligence you have to test them in a fair way. One student may be a great test taker while another is better at writing essays. You cannot judge an elephant on its ability to climb a tree or a bird on its ability to swim. It is impossible for them to perform well in a skill they are not meant to perform. Standardized test taking is not accurate assessment of students because not every student can take a test. John Oliver informs his audience that the tests do not work and are more hurtful than beneficial to students and teachers.