High-stakes standardized testing gives schools a tool to compare students and classes both across grade levels and over time. When students take standardized tests each year -- or every few years -- their progress can be tracked from year to year. Principals and administrators can also compare results from different schools and districts, and schools that test poorly can attempt to duplicate strategies that higher-scoring schools or districts use. High-stakes standardized testing also allows parents and community members to quickly compare scores in various schools and districts.
High-stakes standardized testing is an efficient and budget-friendly way to test large groups of students simultaneously. Because students take tests independently and without assistance, one individual can test many students at the same time. This makes large-group standardized testing more economical than tests that must be administered one-on-one or in small groups. Many standardized tests are also scored by machine, which eliminates the need for hiring extra people to score tests by hand.
Because students are given identical high-stakes standardized tests and identical directions, these tests are objective. Students receive a score based solely on how accurately they answer the test questions. There is no room for teacher subjectivity, teachers who give different directions or allow extra time for specific students. Any modifications of testing directions or circumstances must be pre-approved, making standardized tests less subjective than other types of tests.
One of the main reasons for implementing high-stakes standardized testing is to increase school and student achievement. Students who do well on high-stakes tests may receive a special diploma, scholarship or grade promotion while students who do not perform well can receive remedial help or an option to transfer to a higher-performing school. The risks of not doing well on a high-stakes test may motivate students or schools to develop new curricula, teach more effectively or learn more efficiently.