What Is High Stakes Testing?
High stakes testing means that standardized tests are
being used to make important decisions about students.
These decisions include determining
- High school graduation with
a diploma
- Promotion to the next grade
- Final grades for the school
year or a course
- Placement in special education
or gifted classes
In North Carolina End of Grade (EOG)
tests in reading and mathematics are given to students in grades 3 through
8. High school students take End of Course (EOC) tests in most of
their classes. In the 2001 - 2002 school year, "gateways" will exist for
students in grades 3, 5, and 8. This means if the student fails the EOG test,
the burden will be placed on the classroom teacher to provide a portfolio
of work demonstrating that the student should be promoted.
During the 2000 - 2001 school year, projections for failure indicated that
30,000 fifth graders would fail the test. Because of the Department of Public
Instruction's error is setting the pass rate at 28% correct for the math
test (thus ensuring almost all students would pass this portion), the true
nature of the gateways is still largely unknown. Anecdotal evidence from
around the state would suggest that school districts are heeding the wishes
of parents who are opposed to the mass retentions that the EOGs in an undiluted
form would create. It is important to maintain and increase that pressure.
On to "What are the problems with high stakes
testing?"
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This page last updated September 10, 2001
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