Now if students do poorly on a standardized test, they could face retention. Along with strong media and parental interest, this state's increased focus on standardized testing intensifies the pressure on teachers and students. The upcoming Academic Performance Index, with its implications for rewards and sanctions for schools, turns up the heat even further. It is no wonder that California educators are concentrating on the SAT-9.
Performance needs to improve in high school reading and mathematics.
Scores for educationally disadvantaged students and English language learners show they need additional assistance. First results on standards-based items were inconclusive, in part because California does not have performance standards to measure the results against. With only two years of test scores to examine, conclusions or causal connections are premature. At best, current STAR scores suggest issues that warrant further attention. Meanwhile, concerns about the entire testing program are emerging.