High Stakes Testing

Retrieved from: Seattle Education

In Ontario and in many other provinces, there are high stakes tests that students must take. According to  "The Glossary of Education Reform" defines high stakes tests as "..tests used to make important decisions about students, educators, schools, or districts, most commonly for the purpose of accountability—i.e., the attempt by federal, state, or local government agencies and school administrators to ensure that students are enrolled in effective schools." That said, high stakes tests can be very stressful to everyone involved - i.e. teachers, students, parents, etc. In Ontario, there are Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) tests that students take in grade 3, 6, 9 and 10. In grade 10, students must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) to earn an Ontario Secondary Diploma. 

During my last placement, I had the opportunity to witness students prepare and write the OSSLT. It was a very stressful time for both students and staff members. Throughout the whole duration of my placement (5 weeks) students were told over and over again how important this test was; I felt very sympathetic to them. That said, I believe high stakes tests are a necessary evil; some sort of test has to put into place to hold schools and students accountable.