question: Describe the importance of standardized testing in public schools to a parent, using exactly 4 sentences.
answer: Standardized testing plays a crucial role in assessing the educational progress and proficiency of students in public schools. It provides a uniform measure for comparing student performance across different schools and districts. These tests can help identify areas where your child may need additional support or advanced challenges. Additionally, standardized testing data is often used to inform educational policies and resource allocation to improve overall school effectiveness.