Hot take: All standardized tests should be taken on paper

Zosia: With more and more standardized tests being transformed into hybrid or even full digitalization, increasing numbers of students have to learn how to navigate internet platforms to test their knowledge. Exams taken on paper allow for more in-depth annotation and enhanced focus. In fact, a study from the U.S. Department of Education finds that students tend to score lower on math tests taken online as opposed to their analog counterparts. Scores on online math tests also have a positive correlation to the student’s familiarity with computers, making digital tests potentially economically biased for students. 

Isaac: Researchers have noticed a dip in test scores as schools have switched from paper to online testing, but these studies are novel, and so is the switch. Students have been doing assignments on paper for years, while online tests are relatively new. Ben Backes from the American Institute for Research was one of the first researchers to study the correlation between testing method and scores. He says, “we would expect these differences to fade out as students or schools become more used to it.”

Zosia: Currently, over 80% of tests used for college admissions; including the SAT, ACT, and AP tests, are administered digitally, which requires analysis, calculations, and typing throughout the exam. However, only 2.5% of high school students in the U.S. have had a formal typing class and increasing numbers of students don’t know how to type. This gives them a disadvantage when it comes to taking tests effectively and efficiently. Hand-writing, however, is taught and practiced from a young age, which allows these exams to be more accessible. 

Isaac: While typing does provide a barrier of entry to some students, computerized exams actually provide much more opportunity than they restrict. The Learning Disabilities Association of America notes a variety of tools which online exams offer to students such as text-to speech. For the nearly 700,000 vision impaired students throughout the United States, text-to-speech can be a lifeline which provides the necessary assistance to finish testing in an equitable manner. On the other hand, for students with impaired motor functions, voice-to-type allows for testing with less additional assistance from testing aides.  

Do you have a Hot Take? Inspired by the hit short-form show SubwayTakes hosted by comedian Kareem Rahma, this new brand-new column will offer a space for some open dialogue about a topic you’re particularly passionate about. Similarly to the show itself, if you are someone with a hot take, please message Zosia @ bowluk9777@oshkosh.k12.wi.us and see if you can get on the same page. 

The take must be original and should be something you’re eager to speak on; this makes for the best and most interesting argument. 

Of course the objective of this column is to be a light hearted space to voice a fun conviction, and although any topic is up for discussion, talking points shouldn’t incite violence, inspire hate speech, or instill fear. 

by Zosia Bowlus-Jasinski

Published April 27, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VII