The failing test for success

Abstract

Because high stakes testing is now a direct reflection of one's intelligence, there are immense pressures placed directly on students. These pressures can make students feel insecure and stupid, therefore increasing test anxiety among all students. The detrimental effect of test anxiety on student performance on achievement tests causes a dramatic decline on test scores. Consequently, the number of students dropping out has increased dramatically in the past decade. Sadly, being a high school dropout has immediate and long-term economic and social repercussions. The focus of school systems because of standardized testing has been completely redirected at the expense of the student.