According to the website FairTest.org, students of some minority groups, and those who attend school in low-income areas may be taught watered down curriculum and as a result will not be appropriately prepared for certain standardized assessment tests. Students in higher income areas are more often considered "gifted and talented" and are placed in college prep and accelerated programs which better prepare them for standardized assessments.
Many teachers feel pressure from school administration to increase their students' test scores. Teachers with under-performing students could face the loss of their job. This forces teachers to "teach to the test." Teachers structure lessons that drill test taking skills rather than lessons that foster authentic learning. Teacher who are creative feel stifled and unable to implement hands-on lessons that stimulate creative or independent thinking.
Students may feel anxiety due to the emphasis placed on standardized assessment tests. The pressure that is placed on the teachers transfers to the students. They may feel that the test will make or break them. This can lead to fear, anxiety and even depression if they do not get a high score.