Facts about High Stakes Testing

• More than 30,000 fifth-graders may be forced to repeat a grade this year based on one single test score.
• Parents do not have the right to see a copy of their child's test, either before or after the test is taken.
• Research shows that grade retention does far more harm than good by increasing the dropout rate.

Common Sense Foundation's publications:

A Closer Look: A Parent's Guide to Standardized Testing in NC Schools is a resource for parents published by the Common Sense Foundation and the NC Justice and Community Development Center. Use this booklet to find out how high stakes testing may affect your child's future.

The Troubling Consequences of the ABC's
Knowing that high-stakes testing is harmful, what are some sound alternative methods to evaluate students? Here is a look at accountability and recommendations for evaluating school children.

For more facts and information on how high-stakes testing affects children in North Carolina, visit these websites:

FairTest: The National Center for Fair and Open Testing
http://www.fairtest.org

Alfie Kohn
http://www.AlfieKohn.org

North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center
http://www.ncjustice.org

North Carolina State Board of Education
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/state_board

Rethinking Schools Online: An Urban Educational Journal
http://www.rethinkingschools.org

 

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