What term describes exams with significant consequences for students or schools?

High-stakes testing refers to exams that carry significant consequences for students, educators, or schools. These assessments often determine critical outcomes such as graduation eligibility, school funding, or teacher evaluations.

The defining characteristic of high-stakes testing is the high level of impact that the results have on individuals and institutions. For instance, a student's performance on a high-stakes exam may determine whether they can progress to the next grade or graduate from high school. Similarly, schools may face sanctions or rewards based on average student performance on these tests.

In contrast, assessment for learning generally aims to inform instruction and support student development without the same level of significant consequences. Diagnostic testing focuses on identifying student strengths and weaknesses to tailor instruction, while benchmark testing typically assesses students at specific intervals to evaluate progress, often without the high-stakes implications. Thus, high-stakes testing is distinct in its potential to affect a wide range of educational outcomes based on performance.