Test scores have meaning only in the context of the whole child. In the absence of context, tests may not measure anything meaningful, or have any connection to other more authentic measures of achievement. More high-stakes testing means more dropouts and fewer good teachers. Research suggests that high-stakes testing leads to large increases in the number of school dropouts, especially among minority and poor youth. It also contributes to the flight of good teachers from public schools.
Standardization is the enemy of effective public schools.
Standardized tests impoverish the curriculum and undermine excellence. There is an alternative to high-stakes testing. Innovative schools have already developed performance-based assessments that are fairer and more meaningful. To put off making any new federal requirements for standardized testing of public school students until the health effects of such policies have been studied. Such assessments hold real meaning for students, parents, schools, and communities.