High Stakes TestsHigh Stakes Tests-Lorrie Shepard, UC-Boulder-Lorrie Shepard, UC-Boulder

Discussion by:Discussion by:Trudy SamuelsonTrudy SamuelsonRhonda MartinRhonda MartinLeland JacobsLeland JacobsDani LadwigDani Ladwig

Research FindingsResearch FindingsHigh-stakes testing leads to…High-stakes testing leads to…

““Test score inflation”Test score inflation” ““Curriculum distortion”Curriculum distortion” Negative effects of working to look good Negative effects of working to look good

or to do well on the test instead of or to do well on the test instead of working to understand and master the working to understand and master the material.material.

Recommendations for Recommendations for Policy MakersPolicy Makers

Preserve the integrity of national testsPreserve the integrity of national tests Evaluate and verify the validity of gainsEvaluate and verify the validity of gains Scientifically evaluate the consequences Scientifically evaluate the consequences

of accountability and incentive systemsof accountability and incentive systems Recognize and abide by professional Recognize and abide by professional

standardsstandards

Recommendations for Recommendations for EducatorsEducators

No special teaching to the testNo special teaching to the test Do teach to the content standardsDo teach to the content standards Alternative evidence of achievement Alternative evidence of achievement

should be sharedshould be shared