Examining the Effects of High-Stakes Standardized Tests on Learning Outcomes

Author: Moonbeam Multimedia
Published: Thu 23 May 2024
Episode Link: https://www.sixteentoone.com/

Education News Headline Roundup

Over the past few weeks, there have been significant developments at the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio). On May 15, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost initiated an investigation into the allegations of a hostile takeover attempt of the $90 billion pension fund, which serves thousands of educators, by QED Systematic Solutions.
Academic publishing is facing a crisis of credibility as journals close and thousands of retractions are issued in the wake of a glut of fake research papers. A study by Nature found that in 2013 there were just over 1,000 retractions compared to 2022 with 4,000 and then jumping to more than 10k in 2023. More than 8k of the retractions came from an Egyptian company called Hindawi, which is a subsidiary of Wiley; the Hindawi brand will be sunsetted and its properties absorbed into Wiley. Wiley has announced they will close 19 journals because of the rise of fake papers.
A report by Spectrum News from May 14th alleges that millions of dollars in Texas taxpayer funds intended for a charter school in Odessa were diverted to support struggling Third Future charter schools network in Colorado, of which Houston Independent School District superintendent Mike Miles is founder and with whom he has recently maintained a consulting relationship.

Examining the Effects of High-Stakes Standardized Tests on Learning Outcomes

This episode explores the history and impact of high-stakes standardized testing in the U.S., starting with a brief review of the No Child Left Behind Act and its legacy. Discussions include the educational goals of high-stakes tests (such as accountability and standardization), and the reasons why these tests often fall short of bettering educational outcomes for students, including curriculum narrowing and stress on students and teachers. We also delve into recent research, including a 2024 study by Maroun and Tienken, which highlights the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on test performance.

Discussion Questions

What are the consequences of "teaching to the test"?
Why does the high-stakes testing system persist despite its criticisms?
Can we design a system with standardized tests but without high-stakes consequences? What might this look like?
What would it take to move school administrators and policy makers toward the idea that standardized tests should inform academic strategies instead of penalties or other punitive measures?
How do we develop a system to hold educators accountable for serving students well that recognizes that a student’s academic or standardized test performance is not always the best indicator of that student’s learning? Would peer/student reviews play a part in this system?

Sources & Resources:

Ohio AG investigating alleged 'hostile takeover' inside teacher's pension fund

March Board News | STRS Ohio

April Board News | STRS Ohio

February Board News | STRS Ohio Employer

Answering viewer questions about Ohio's retired teachers' pension fund chaos

Houston teachers union calls for Mike Miles' resignation after explosive report

HISD students plan walkout as investigation launches into state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles

HISD's Mike Miles responds to 'spurious' investigation into charter school network

HISD superintendent Mike Miles accused of mishandling state education funds | CW39 Houston

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles responds to allegations he diverted Texas school funds to his Colorado schools

Report about charter schools founded by Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles prompts calls for investigation