Exceeding the standards on AIMS testing

October 30, 2009 • Ayla Mitchell  
Filed under Opinion

This week sophomores were pulled out of class to partake in the fall AIMS testing. The Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards is a common standardized test in high schools. Students based on their test performance can effectively decide their future. Beyond the general aptitude information that is collected, students that exceed the standard scores on the test receive recognition and scholarship opportunities. These opportunities’ push many students to retake the test as Juniors and even seniors. Hoping to gain the financial help and academic recognition that will give them an edge in the ever increasing competitive world of college admissions and scholarships.

    The 2009 scores increased dramatically, becoming the highest in Arizona history. This success is directly correlated to the efforts of the Arizona school board and its super intendent Tom Horne to raise awareness about the chances that are available for students who apply themselves to the test. Particularly in Arizona where the economy’s downturn has severely affected families, and their college bound teenagers. This chance for college acceptance and financial help is particularly appealing.

The lists posted on the walls of school are evidence enough of the upper classmen interest in increasing their scores. Junior enrollment almost matched that of the number of sophomores who are required to test this year

  However, excelling on the AIMS test only provides possible entry to in-state schools. While these are feasible options for some students there is an increasing number of teenagers who see part of the college experience as leaving home and living in a new state and city. This poses a problem for Arizona administrators who hope to keep student’s college interests focused in-state. Though a change to standards and scholarship options does not look likely. The statistics paint an interesting story of student’s who with increasing desperation are attempting to excel and achieve acceptance to universities. With AIMS being antiquated with words like ACT and SAT its no wonder why so many students viewed their black printed names on the colorful paper with a mixture of hope and dread.

 Email This Post        Print This Post