The High Stakes of Standardized Testing
In Randall Reback’s “Teaching to the rating: School accountability and the distribution of student achievement”, we find that low school ratings can lead to:
- Loss of federal funds
- Student transfers to another public school
- Organizational interventions
- Changes in school prestige
- Changes in local property values
- Loss of potential financial rewards for schools and teachers
This is why schools have strong incentives to focus on standardized test scores and passing rates, as these directly influence school ratings. For this reason, and student outcomes based on these scores, standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLT, and so on are considered high stakes testing. They have been and continue to be a cornerstone of modern education policy. This blog will explain the clear correlation between improved district wide test scores, better school ratings/funding, and outline how districts can strategically use test prep programs to enhance their educational accountability measures.
The Landscape of School Ratings and Funding Mechanisms
What are School Performance Metrics?
School performance metrics encompass not only test scores but also graduation rates, attendance, and college readiness. High stakes testing in education heavily influences these metrics, as many of these metrics are tied to standardized test scores. For example, college readiness is typically determined by scores on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, or CLT, which also serves as an academic performance rating scale and is used to evaluate schools.
The Financial Incentive: Funding and Student Achievement
So, let’s address the fundamental question: Do schools get funding based on test scores?
In short, yes. States and federal programs often tie funding directly to academic performance.
Next up, do schools get more funding for higher test scores? Sometimes. There are performance-based funding models. Here is an example of such where school funding and student achievement can be inextricably linked.
In a merit-based education system, policy ties performance and resources together. In a merit-based system, individuals (students, teachers, schools, districts) are evaluated based on their demonstrated “merit”—usually defined by academic achievement, test scores, or other measurable outcomes. For students, this often translates into merit-based scholarships for higher education, where academic excellence (e.g., GPA, standardized test scores) or specific talents (such as athletic or artistic abilities) are rewarded with financial aid, regardless of financial need. For teachers/schools/districts, this can involve merit-based pay for teachers (linking salary or bonuses to student performance or evaluations) or performance-based school funding formulas for districts. Schools or districts that achieve higher test scores or meet specific accountability targets may receive additional funding, grants (like school improvement grants), or other financial incentives.
The Test Prep Advantage: Elevating District Wide Scores and Ratings
How Test Prep Directly Impacts Test Scores:
Targeted test prep helps students understand test formats, manage their time effectively, and enhance their content mastery, meaning that students who perform poorly have ample room for growth in the course. Middle-achieving students and high-achieving students can also be challenged in areas of strength and weakness. Psychological benefits include reduced anxiety and increased confidence for students. Prep can take many forms, too! It doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. Types of test prep include in-school programs, after-school programs, and high school test prep resources that can be utilized at home. Peterson’s Prep Advantage can adapt to all these methods of test prep delivery, providing educators with ample data analytics to track progress.
The Ripple Effect: From Scores to Ratings and Beyond:
Improved district test scores link directly to higher standings on the academic performance rating scale. Better ratings attract students, improve community perception, and can even boost property values. Higher scores make schools more competitive for grants for school improvement projects.. Test prep is a viable way to increase school ratings and achieve specific school improvement grants.
Test Prep as a Tool for District Wide Accountability
Enhancing Educational Accountability through Strategic Test Prep:
Robust test prep courses demonstrate a district’s commitment to student success and achieving performance targets. District wide implementation ensures equitable access to resources, ensuring all students on the spectrum of achievement get access to quality prep. With Prep Advantage data insights, educators will gain valuable insights into curriculum gaps and areas needing improvement, thereby informing their accountability efforts.
Does Funding Improve Student Achievement? The Cycle of Success:
So, let’s revisit the question: Does funding improve student achievement? While funding is crucial, strategic investment in areas such as test preparation amplifies its impact. Increased funding, resulting from higher scores, can be reinvested in more test preparation, improved resources, and professional development, creating a positive feedback loop for students and educators alike.
Leveraging edTech solutions for optimized accountability is a brilliant idea, as courses can offer personalized learning paths, real-time data tracking, reduced teacher fatigue, and efficient resource allocation. These tools provide granular data for district-level analysis, making accountability measures more precise and actionable.
Shaping the Future of Education
In this landscape of educational accountability and high stakes testing, test preparation plays a strategic and crucial role. It’s not merely about “teaching to the test.” Rather, it’s about equipping students and entire districts to succeed within the current accountability framework. Ultimately, the strategic integration of test preparation is vital for fostering genuine educational accountability and driving continuous improvement throughout the educational system. District test scores, school ratings, and funding can all be enhanced by investment in the right test prep. At Peterson’s, we aim to equip students and districts for higher test scores within the current high stakes testing environment. We’re here to evolve alongside you with test prep, fostering proper educational accountability while driving continuous improvement in schools. Set up a demo with our education team today!
