High stakes testing refers to tests whose outcomes have significant consequences for students, teachers, or schools.

• A. Tests used for admissions
• B. Tests that measure only attendance
• C. Tests with no consequences
• D. Tests whose outcomes have significant consequences for students, teachers, or schools.

Answer: (D)

High-stakes testing is defined by the weight of the results: the test’s outcomes drive important, real consequences in education. When a test can determine whether a student graduates or advances, whether a teacher’s job or evaluation is affected, or how a school is funded or rated, the test is high-stakes. That’s why the statement describing tests whose outcomes have significant consequences for students, teachers, or schools is the best description. The other options describe scenarios with little or no broad impact: measuring attendance alone, tests with no consequences, or tests that affect only individuals in admissions cases don’t capture the systemic, heavyweight impact that makes a test high-stakes.