Are test scores the most accurate indication of individual competency?

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Are Test Scores the Most Accurate Indication of Individual Competency?
Instructors have used tests over the years to gauge the students’ capabilities when it comes to enrolling them in college or promoting them to higher grades. Nevertheless, tests are not a proper indication of a student’s competence because some students may be weak at taking tests, may experience higher levels of test anxiety, and may have a bad day before taking a test, which would make them perform poorly.
Some schools train their children only on the best ways to take tests and not to master a field’s concepts. Clearly, those trained on the best techniques to sit for examinations would perform well (Popham n. p.). They would outperform others who do not have the same training. In such a situation, the tests would indicate that the students that perform well are more competent than those who do not, which is not correct. Therefore, tests may misrepresent students’ competence.
Some students experience test anxiety, which makes them lack the confidence to sit for tests, despite having the requisite knowledge (White n. p.). Some people might argue that everyone experiences anxiety, and as such, it is only right to give credit to the students who perform well. This notion is not far-fetched, but it is not accurate. Some students act under a lot of pressure from their parents and are more anxious than those who are not pressured. Consequently, test scores only indicate how good some people are at taking tests, but not their competence.

How someone performs is subject to various factors. A well-prepared and competent student may be having a bad day. For example, girls experiencing monthly periods may not be on their right mind when sitting for a test, and as such, they may perform poorly (Thornton n. p.). Test results would indicate that such students are not competent, which is not the case. Thus, tests are not a proper indication of students’ competence.
Concisely, tests are not the most accurate indication of student’s competence because some students may be weak at taking tests, may experience higher levels of test anxiety, and may have a bad day before taking a test, which would make them perform poorly.

Works Cited
Popham, James. “Test Scores and Teacher Competency.” OregonLive.com, 3 Feb. 2010, www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/02/test_scores_and_teacher_compet.html. Accessed 28 Aug. 2018.
Thornton, Emma. “Coping with Your Period During Exam Time.” A.Vogel Herbal Remedies | Natural and Herbal Remedies | Official Website, June 2018, www.avogel.co.uk/health/periods/coping-with-your-period-during-exam-time/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2018.
White, Mercedes. “Test Anxiety: How Cold Feet Are Ruining Your Grades.” DeseretNews.com, 29 Mar. 2015, www.deseretnews.com/article/865624639/Test-anxiety-How-cold-feet-are-ruining-your-grades.html. Accessed 28 Aug. 2018.