Which one of the following is the best example of high-stakes testing as educators typically use this term?
A)A high school awards diplomas only to students who score above predetermined cutoffs on tests of writing, math, science, and history.
B)A high school teacher gives exams that, in the opinion of students and their parents, are far too difficult for most 16- and 17-year-olds.
C)When administering a series of tests to a middle school student to determine if he has a learning disability, a school psychologist asks questions about the student's religious beliefs, sexual activity, and other private, personal matters.
D)A school district wants to track students' progress in various content domains.It administers a standardized achievement test to students at all grade levels, even those in first or second grade.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A best exemplifies high-stakes testing as it denies students a diploma if they do not meet a predetermined cutoff on multiple subject tests that serve as gatekeepers to graduation. The consequences here are significant, as without a diploma, a student may face limited job prospects, difficulty pursuing certain careers or further education, and stigmatization. Option B describes a teacher's instructional methods and does not necessarily have any significant consequences for the students. Option C raises serious ethical and legal concerns and could lead to harm for the student if sensitive information is used to discriminate against him or her. Option D is not as high-stakes as option A because while it tracks students' progress, it does not have immediate consequences for students who perform poorly.

Which One of the Following Is the Best Example of High-Stakes