Only scores in reading and math are linked to promotion to the next grade. Other parts of the comprehensive reform include rigorous content standards, new assessments, a school and district accountability program, a kindergarten through grade 3 reading and math initiative, and a new technology program. Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education professor, best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, a critic of the notion that there exists but a single human intelligence that can be assessed by standard psychometric instruments, advises caution when educators emphasize the results of one test. This was the second year students took the tests and, in most school districts, student scores improved over student scores last year. Generally, however, large, urban school districts scored significantly lower compared with smaller, suburban school districts.
Some educators believe the tests penalize urban children.
Several factors affect poor children's academic performances, and more money doesn't always close the gap between their test scores and the scores of their white, middle class counterparts, Neill told Education World. The organization's wants to make sure the state continues to financially support remedial services for those students who fail the tests, he said. The trend for high-stakes testing is on the rise. Half of those states require students achieve at least tenth-grade standards or higher to earn a diploma. Louisiana is one of the few states requiring an exit exam for students in the fourth and eighth grades.