Accuracy of Standardized Test Results

Question: Our children might not be promoted to the next grade unless they receive certain scores on state tests. I am afraid this could happen even though they are good students. Are these tests really an accurate measurement of how much students have learned? - Test Concerns

Answer: Far more than one test score needs to be considered when evaluating how much children have learned in any grade. For "high stakes" tests to have any accuracy, they must tie closely to the curriculum that has been taught at a school. Plus, children, especially younger children, need to be thoroughly familiar with the format of the test as well as motivated to do well.