A high-stakes test is a test with important consequences for the test taker.[1] Passing has important benefits, such as a high school diploma, a scholarship, or a license to practice a profession. Failing has important disadvantages, such as being forced to take remedial classes until the test can be passed, not being allowed to drive a car, or difficulty finding employment.
The use and misuse of high-stakes tests is a controversial topic in public education, especially in the United States and U.K., where they have become especially popular in recent years, used not only to assess school-age students but in attempts to increase teacher accountability.[2]
- ^ "Lexicon of Learning". Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Archived from the original on 2018-10-17. Retrieved 2013-02-21.
- ^ Rosemary Sutton; Kelvin Seifert (2009). "Chapter 1: The Changing Teaching Profession and You". Educational Psychology (PDF) (2nd ed.). p. 14.