ABSTRACT
The Department of Education is clearly violating both the letter and spirit of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It is important to acknowledge that many poor parents are strong supporters of NCLB. With regard to educational choices, empirical studies have repeatedly demonstrated positive associations between the introduction of high-stakes testing and increased student dropout rates. High-stakes testing impacts students in terms of their educational choices and options, their academic performance and intellectual development, and their psychological health. A great deal of attention has focused on the psychological impact of high-stakes testing on American children and adolescents. Some might argue that high-stakes tests and the negative consequences associated with failure will teach children that school is serious business to which they need apply themselves. An educational practice that increases the likelihood of school dropout rather than enhancing student’s academic performance surely must be questioned.
