Standardized tests cannot measure the ability to think, and actually teach children bad thinking habits, such as trying to outguess the test makers, rather than thinking for themselves. Thinking skills are very difficult and time consuming to evaluate. Standardized tests are designed, not to test individual progress, but to compare a child's progress to the progress of other children. Thus, tests promote competition, not cooperation. Poor test scores decrease self esteem, possibly leading to social and discipline problems.
Testing can damage the trust relationship between teacher and student.
Test scores and grading are a divisive force in families, separating parents from their natural position as the child's first and most committed teacher. Reliance on standardized test scores reduces initiative, independence, creativity, and willingness to take risks in learning situations. The drive for high test scores creates unnecessary, unproductive stress. Standardized tests promote under achievement. Test makers assume that all children have equal readiness for all subjects at the same age.