The Racist Beginnings of Standardized Testing

As the nation grapples with the legacy of standardized testing, a stark reality is coming to light—the tests that have long been a staple of the American educational system are rooted in a history of racial bias. According to a report by the National Education Association (NEA), these tests have disproportionately affected students of color, particularly those from low-income families.

The origins of standardized testing in the United States are intertwined with the eugenics movement, which sought to use these assessments as a means to prove the superiority of certain racial groups. As highlighted by Ibram X. Kendi of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center, these tests were designed to “objectively degrade Black and Brown minds” and exclude them from prestigious educational institutions.
Despite their widespread use, standardized tests have been criticized for failing to provide accurate and reliable measures of student learning. Critics argue that they perpetuate racial and economic inequalities, as evidenced by the lower scores typically achieved by students of color. This has led to a growing movement advocating for more authentic assessment methods that better reflect a student’s abilities and potential.

Historical Context and Modern Implications

The development of the SAT and other standardized tests was influenced by figures like Carl Brigham, a psychologist and eugenicist who believed in the superiority of the “Nordic race group.” His work laid the foundation for the tests that are now entrenched in the U.S. educational system.
Today, there is a call to action from educators and civil rights organizations to resist the overuse of standardized testing and to promote assessment tools that do not replicate racial and economic inequalities. As Young Wan Choi of the Oakland Unified School District explains, the focus should be on creating assessments that truly measure a student’s capabilities, without the biases inherent in traditional testing methods.
The NEA’s article underscores the need for a shift in educational assessment practices, advocating for systems that support the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. As the conversation continues, the hope is that future assessments will be more equitable and reflective of each student’s unique strengths.