What is the impact of high-stakes testing on teaching practices?

High-stakes testing significantly influences teaching practices, primarily resulting in a tendency to "teach to the test." This means that educators often focus their instruction on the specific content and skills that are assessed in standardized tests, which can inadvertently narrow the curriculum. Instead of encompassing a broad range of topics, teaching may center primarily on the subjects that will be evaluated, limiting students’ exposure to a well-rounded education.

As teachers prepare students for these assessments, they might prioritize test-taking strategies and drill specific content that aligns closely with test items, potentially sacrificing innovative or exploratory teaching methods that foster critical thinking and creativity. This can lead to a more rigid classroom environment where the primary goal becomes achieving high test scores rather than fostering a love for learning or deeper understanding of the material.