The third example is not a student knowledge or skill but rather a recommendation regarding the development of the curriculum to work in concert with mathematics instruction. Forty-eight states now test their students and 36 publish annual report cards. Nineteen states publicly rate the performance of all their schools or at least identify low-performing schools. Sixteen states have the power to close, take over, or overhaul chronically failing schools. Fourteen states provide monetary rewards for individual schools based on performance, and 19 states require students to pass state tests as a condition of high school graduation.
Discussions regarding assessments and accountability also have inherent challenges.
Education Week, January 11, 1999. Texas epitomizes the hard-line approach. Schools and districts can receive cash awards for exemplary student performance but are subject to intervention and ultimately takeover if achievement falls below a minimum standard. High school students must pass state tests to graduate. Teacher preparation schools lose their accreditation if too many of their graduates fail teacher licensing exams.