Standardized testing is a method of evaluating students' academic achievement and abilities in a consistent, standardized manner. These tests are typically multiple-choice or short-answer format and are administered to a large group of students to measure their knowledge and skills in various subjects such as math, reading, and writing. The results of standardized tests are often used to make decisions about educational policy, school funding, and student placement. Critics argue that standardized testing can be biased and does not accurately measure a student's true abilities, while proponents believe it provides valuable data for assessing student progress and school accountability.