Act

Definition

In the context of standards-based education and high-stakes testing, an act refers to a formal legislative decision that establishes policies and regulations governing educational practices and accountability measures. These acts typically set forth the expectations for student achievement, assessment methods, and the responsibilities of schools and educators in ensuring that students meet established standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acts like NCLB fundamentally changed how schools approached education by tying federal funding to student performance on standardized tests.
2. High-stakes testing, as mandated by various acts, can determine whether students graduate or whether schools receive additional funding.
3. Legislation often requires states to develop their own assessments that align with the standards established by these acts.
4. The implementation of acts has led to both increased accountability and criticism over teaching to the test, potentially narrowing the curriculum.
5. Acts can evolve over time, reflecting changes in educational philosophy and the needs of students, leading to revisions or new legislation.

Review Questions

• How do acts influence educational policies regarding accountability in schools?
  • Acts establish the framework for accountability by outlining expectations for student performance and the measures used to assess those outcomes. They require schools to demonstrate that students meet specific academic standards, which is often assessed through high-stakes tests. This creates a system where schools are held responsible for student achievement, influencing everything from curriculum development to teaching strategies.
• What are the implications of high-stakes testing as a result of educational acts on student learning experiences?
  • High-stakes testing can significantly impact student learning experiences by placing pressure on both educators and students to perform well on standardized assessments. This pressure can lead teachers to focus primarily on test preparation, often at the expense of a more holistic approach to education. Consequently, while some students may excel under this system, others may struggle with the stress or may not be adequately supported in areas not covered by the tests.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of acts like No Child Left Behind in achieving their intended educational goals.
  • The effectiveness of acts such as No Child Left Behind is debated among educators and policymakers. While these acts aimed to close achievement gaps and improve educational outcomes for all students, criticisms include an overemphasis on standardized testing, which may not accurately reflect student learning or school effectiveness. Additionally, the punitive measures for underperforming schools could have adverse effects on educational equity and quality. Thus, while some goals were met, many argue that the approach needs reevaluation to better support diverse learning needs.

Related terms

Accountability: The obligation of schools and educators to ensure that students achieve specific learning outcomes, often measured through standardized assessments.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB): A significant act passed in 2001 aimed at increasing accountability in education through standardized testing and requiring states to meet certain educational benchmarks.

Common Core State Standards: A set of educational standards adopted by many states aimed at ensuring all students are prepared for college and career, often linked to high-stakes assessments.