What Is a High Stakes Test?
A “high stakes” test is a test for which there are consequences when a student does not perform well. With the passage of SB 55 and HB 282, the OPT is now a high stakes test in Ohio. Students are required to pass the controversial OPT test in order to receive a diploma. In order to receive a diploma students shall demonstrate “proficiency” in reading, writing, math , science and citizenship on state proficiency tests administered at grade 10. Also, 4th graders must pass the 4th grade proficiency to be promoted to the 5th grade. This begins in July, 2001. SB 55 also sets up criteria for a school to come under the title of “effective,” “continuous improvement,” “academic watch” or a “academic emergency” based upon the scores of the OPT. A “report card” will be issued for each district. There are 27 performance indicators that a district is graded on. 25 of those indicators are based on the OPT scores. The other 2 indicators are graduation and attendance rates. A school that scores 27 or
