[Will88]

I read a few years ago that standardized tests originated because kids from the more prestigious prep schools and high schools got most of the acceptances to the more prestigious colleges. The tests were started to give the kids from average high schools a way to show their abilities in comparison to those from more highly regarded schools.

And I’d say the tests have served that purpose well, but other purposes they haven’t served so well.

[GingisK]

Standardized tests were introduced so that coursework would have to be equal throughout the Nation. They were an attempt to unify and fortify curriculum regardless of the social strata of the school, teachers, or students. Also, tests are somewhat difficult to compile. The idea was to remove that burden from the teachers.

It didn't seem to work out well in practice.