Standardized test scores for middle and high school students are not incentivized enough

Well, as we end the school year, we sometimes hear about low standardized test scores like PSAT or STAR for math and English, depending on the state.

In my opinion, its because we don't put it more on the students to do well. I mean, I find that if a student does poorly, they are not held back a grade, and still allowed to graduate even after years of performing poorly.

Why do they put this on the schools or teachers if students don't care? Which is some ways I understand why, because there is no repercussion for scoring poorly.

I mean I have been teaching HS math for over 15 years. Earlier on, I had to take the PRAXIS. I had to do well because it opened up the doors for me to teach math. If it meant nothing, why would I try?

Why would a lawyer, doctor, accountant, or any major that requires specialized exams try if it didn't determine whether or not they could practice in their career?

I'm angry about it. Maybe this isn't all states, but in the state I'm at, we CANNOT incentivize standardized test scores for grades. Even giving the kids "a free day" or a "free prom ticket" is sketchy.

I've talked about importance, I've made sure my standards align with subject matter, but I just don't think students take them seriously.

This is making me want this to be my last year teaching math because of this.

I'm tired of feeling like these are "my test scores" rather than "the student's test scores".

Submitted May 16, 2026 at 06:00AM by MathMan1982 https://ift.tt/P80BMQu