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A Closer Look at High-Stakes Testing

A Closer Look at High-Stakes Testing
February 2013
Kitty Chen, James Kigamwa, Erin Macey, Jada Phelps, Marsha Simon, Seena Skelton, and Kathleen King Thorius.

This edition of the Equity Dispatch states that the consequences of high-stakes testing continue to trend toward grade retention and school dropout increases for certain groups of students. In light of problems concerning the validity of high-stakes tests to assess student content knowledge, as well as notable opportunity gaps experienced by students based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, language, and ability, more work needs to be done to change prevailing uses of high-stakes tests results in schools. Teachers and school leaders should be aware of inequities associated with high-stakes testing and broaden efforts to put into place the people, policies, and practices that will bridge opportunities for all students.

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