Epsl 0211 125 Epru Tech

TECHNICAL APPENDIX An Analysis of Some Unintended and Negative Consequences of High-Stakes Testing
by Audrey L. Amrein And David C. Berliner Arizona State University
Education Policy Research Unit (EPRU) Education Policy Studies Laboratory College of Education Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Box 872411 Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287-2411
December 2002
EPSL |
EDUCATION POLICY STUDIES LABORATORY
Education Policy Research Unit
EPSL-0211-125-EPRU
http://edpolicylab.org
Education Policy Studies Laboratory Division of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies College of Education, Arizona State University P.O. Box 872411, Tempe, AZ 85287-2411 Telephone: (480) 965-1886 Fax: (480) 965-0303 E-mail: epsl@asu.edu http://edpolicylab.org
An Analysis of Some Unintended and Negative Consequences of High-Stakes Testing

Audrey L. Amrein and David C. Berliner Arizona State University
Technical Appendix
An archival time-series research design is used for this study. Archival time-series studies are useful for determining the degree to which large-scale social or governmental policies make an impact.1 In archival time-series designs, strings of observations of the dependent variablesthe dropout rate and the graduation rate, which are inversely related, and the rate by which students enroll in the GED program and the average age of GED participantsare made before and after the treatments (high school graduation exams) are introduced. This enables the researcher to gain convincing evidence about the affects that high-stakes tests have over time. Displaying trend lines and studying the patterns in the trend lines before and after high-stakes tests are introduced helps to demonstrate the statistical relationships between high-stakes tests and their effects.2 Two major controls are used to help evaluate the certainty and strength of the effects. First, data points before the introduction of the treatment provide baseline information.3 Whether changes in the dependent variable are authentic or artificial is determined on a case-by-case basis using baseline data. If a change after the intervention is noted, it is concluded the treatment had an effect. Secondly, national trend lines are positioned alongside state trend lines to help control for normal fluctuations and extraneous influences on the data.4 The national
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group is used as a nonequivalent comparison group to help estimate how the dependent variable would have oscillated less any treatment.5 The national trend lines help control for whether effects at the state level are genuine or mere reflections of the national trend. All effects are calculated in the short- and long-term. Trends are defined in the short-term by the difference in rate one year after the point of implementation of highstakes tests. Trends are defined in the long-term by the difference in rate from the implementation of one testing policy to the next or 2001. The decision to assess one-year effects and long-term effects is somewhat arbitrary so each states trend line is included for the convenience of those who, for example, would argue the effects of high-stakes tests may lay dormant for a different number of years. In addition, the data sources that are used in this study are not comprehensive. They do not, for example, cover the same range of years across measures nor do all measures provide for baseline data. States, such as Florida, in which their high school graduation exam was first implemented in the late 1970s, for example, do not have baseline data for all of the measures as data across measures are available for less than 20 years. These data are adequate enough to draw conclusions regarding the effects of highstakes tests in states after x years of using high school graduation exams, however. This is possible if, in those states, conclusions are formulated using the second, third, and in one case, the fourth high school graduation exam implemented. In short, if changes in rate after the introduction of a high school graduation exam match the nation, the effects of the high school graduation exam are classified as unclear. Otherwise, effects of high school graduation exams are classified as increases or
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decreases as compared to the nation, and overall effects are classified as weak or strong when summed together. Overall effects are classified as weak if increases or decreases are illustrated after the implementation of a high school graduation exam on one of two indicators and strong if increases or decreases are illustrated after the implementation of a high school graduation exam across both measures. For the dropout rate analyses, for example, if a state illustrate decreases in the dropout rate and increases in the high school graduation rate after the point at which a high school graduation exam was implemented, the state would be classified as illustrating strong evidence that after a high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by which students were graduated from high school increased, or were positively effected. For the GED analyses, if a state illustrate increases in the rate by which students enroll in the GED program but unclear changes regarding how the average age of GED participants changed, the state would be classified as illustrating weak evidence that after the implementation of a high school graduation exam, the rate by which students sought out GEDs instead of regular high school diplomas increased, or was negatively effected. In each analysis, the magnified symbolizes the year before the first graduating class was required to pass the first high school graduation exam in each state. If, for example, students were first expected to pass a graduation exam in 1995, as was the case in Georgia, you would be most likely to observe an effect from 1994, the year before students had to pass the test to 1995, the year students had to pass the test. The also symbolizes the year before the years in which graduating classes were first required to pass exam revisions thereafter.
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An overview of each states high school graduation exam policies, the trend lines used to examine how the unintended consequences examined in this study changed after the introduction of a high school graduation exam, and the conclusions drawn from the data in each state follow.
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ALABAMA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Alabama must pass Alabamas High School Graduation Test to receive a high school diploma. The class of 1985 was the first and the class of 1993 was the second graduating class required to pass a high school graduation exam to receive a diploma. The Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) is replacing the graduation test. Starting with the class of 2001, students will have to pass certain sections of the AHSGE to receive a diploma. Dropout rate:
Alabama - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Alabama Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1992 2 percent fewer students dropped out in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1993 Alabama maintained its percentage, as did the nation. From 1992-1998 Alabama 2 percent fewer students dropped out in Alabama than in the nation.
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After Alabamas high school graduation exams were implemented, Alabamas dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation. Graduation rate:
Alabama - High School Graduates
25.0% Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment 24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
Alabama Nation
From 1984-1985 1.6 percent fewer students were graduated in Alabama than in the nation. From 1984-1992 .3 percent fewer students were graduated in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1993 1.3 percent fewer students were graduated in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1995 1.4 percent fewer students were graduated in Alabama than in the nation. After Alabamas high school graduation exams were implemented, Alabamas
graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.
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Rate by which people took the General Education Diploma (GED) Exam:
Alabama - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Alabama Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1985 Alabama maintained its percentage, as did the nation. From 1984-1992 .03 percent more students took the GED in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1993 .05 percent fewer students took the GED in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1999 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in Alabama than in the nation. After Alabamas high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
which people took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
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Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

Alabama - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
Alabama * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1992 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more years in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1993 the average age of GED examinees increased .5 more years in Alabama than in the nation. From 1992-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Alabama than in the nation. After Alabamas high school graduation exams were implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Alabama, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school changed as compared to the nation.
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There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Alabama, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program decreased as compared to the nation.
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FLORIDA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Florida must pass the High School Competency Test (HSCT) to receive a diploma. The class of 1979 was the first, the class of 1990 was the second, and the class of 1996 was the third graduating class required to pass a high school graduation exam to receive a diploma. The Florida Competency Assessment Test (FCAT) is replacing the HSCT. The class of 2003 will be required to pass the FCAT reading and math tests to receive a high school diploma. Dropout rate:
Florida - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Florida Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1995 Florida maintained its percentage, as did the nation. From 1995-1996 1 percent fewer students dropped out in Florida than in the nation. From 1995-1998 1 percent more students dropped out in Florida than in the nation.
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After Floridas high school graduation exams were implemented, how Floridas dropout rate changed as compared to the nation is unclear. Graduation rate:
Florida - High School Graduates
Florida Nation
72
78
87
71
73
74
75
76
77
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
From 1978-1979 .9 percent fewer students were graduated in Florida than in the nation. From 1978-1989 1.6 percent fewer students were graduated in Florida than in the nation. From 1989-1990 .5 percent more students were graduated in Florida than in the nation. From 1989-1995 .7 percent more students were graduated in Florida than in the nation. After Floridas high school graduation exams were implemented, Floridas
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19
95
Florida - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Florida Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1989 Florida lost .03 percent, as did the nation. From 1989-1990 .05 percent more students took the GED in Florida than in the nation. From 1989-1995 .03 percent more students took the GED in Florida than in the nation. From 1995-1996 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in Florida than in the nation. From 1995-1999 .03 percent fewer students took the GED in Florida than in the nation. After Floridas high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
which people took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
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Florida - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
Florida Nation
27
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1989 the average age of GED examinees decreased 1 more year in Florida than in the nation. From 1989-1990 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more year in Florida than in the nation. From 1989-1995 the average age of GED examinees decreased .9 more year in Florida than in the nation. From 1995-1996 the average age of GED examinees decreased .4 more year in Florida than in the nation. From 1995-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more year in Florida than in the nation. After Floridas high school graduation exams were implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
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OVERALL FINDINGS: There is weak evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Florida, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Florida, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
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GEORGIA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Georgia must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) to receive a diploma. The class of 1984 was the first and the class of 1995 was the second graduating class required to pass a high school graduation exam to receive a diploma. The GHSGT is being replaced by new end-of-course tests. Dropout rate:
Georgia - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0% Percent
10.0%
Georgia Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1994 1 percent more students dropped out in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1995 Georgia gained 1 percent, as did the nation. From 1994-1998 1 percent more students dropped out in Georgia than in the nation. After Georgias high school graduation exams were implemented, Georgias
dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.
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Graduation rate:
Georgia - High School Graduates
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
Georgia Nation
From 1983-1984 .1 percent fewer students were graduated in Georgia than in the nation. From 1983-1994 .8 percent fewer students were graduated in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .1 percent fewer students were graduated in Georgia than in the nation. After Georgias high school graduation exams were implemented,
Georgias graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.
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Georgia - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Georgia Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1994 .13 percent more students took the GED in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1999 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in Georgia than in the nation. After Georgias high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
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Georgia - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age Georgia * Nation
27
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1994 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1995 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Georgia than in the nation. From 1994-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .3 more years in Georgia than in the nation. After Georgias high school graduation exams were implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Georgia, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation.
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There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Georgia, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
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LOUISIANA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Louisiana must pass Louisianas Graduation Exit Exam (GEE) to receive a diploma. The class of 1991 was the first graduating class required to pass the Graduation Exit Exam (GEE) to receive a diploma. Louisianas Graduation Exit Exam for the 21st Century (GEE 21) is replacing the GEE. The class of 2003 will be required to pass English language arts and math tests to receive a diploma. Dropout rate:
Louisiana - - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Louisiana Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1991 1 percent more students dropped out in Louisiana than in the nation. From 1990-1998 1 percent fewer students dropped out in Louisiana than in the nation. After Louisianas high school graduation exam was implemented, how
Louisianas dropout rate changed as compared to the nation is unclear.
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Graduation rate:
Louisiana - High School Graduates
25.0% Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment
24.0%
23.0%
22.0%
21.0%
20.0%
Louisiana Nation
19.0%
18.0%
17.0%
16.0%
15.0%
72
86
87
88
89
91
73
79
80
81
82
84
93
74
90
75
77
71
83
85
92
76
78
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
From 1990-1991 .6 percent fewer students were graduated in Louisiana than in the nation. From 1990-1995 .9 percent more students were graduated in Louisiana than in the nation. After Louisianas high school graduation exam was implemented, Louisianas
graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.
19
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19
94
95
Louisiana - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
Number of GED examinees / Total state population
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Louisiana Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1990-1991 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in Louisiana than in the nation. From 1990-1999 .04 percent more students took the GED in Louisiana than in the nation. After Louisianas high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by
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L o u sia n a - Ave rag e Ag e o f P e o p le W h o T o o k th e G E D T es t
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
Lo u is ia n a * N atio n
27
26
25
24
23
22 1 9 86 19 8 7 1 9 88 19 8 9 1 9 90 1 99 1 1 9 92 1 99 3 1 9 94 1 9 95 19 9 6 1 99 7 19 9 8 1 9 99
From 1990-1991 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more years in Louisiana than in the nation. From 1990-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .4 more years in Louisiana than in the nation After Louisianas high school graduation exam was implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is weak evidence to suggest that after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Louisiana, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school decreased as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Louisiana, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
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MARYLAND
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students must pass the Maryland Functional Tests (MFT) to receive a diploma. The class of 1987 was the first graduating class required to pass the tests to receive a diploma. The MFT is used today but is being replaced by the end-of-course exams called the Maryland High School Assessments. Dropout rate:
Maryland - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0% Percent
10.0%
Maryland Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 2 percent fewer students dropped out in Maryland than in the nation. After Marylands high school graduation exam was implemented, Marylands
dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation.
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Graduation rate:
Maryland - High School Graduates
25.0%
Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
Maryland Nation
From 1986-1987 .2 percent fewer students were graduated in Maryland than in the nation. From 1986-1995 1 percent fewer students were graduated in Maryland than in the nation. After Marylands high school graduation exam was implemented, Marylands
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Maryland - Percent W ho Took the GED

0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Maryland Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1987 Maryland maintained its percentage, as did the nation. From 1986-1999 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in Maryland than in the nation. After Marylands high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by
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Maryland - - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
27
Maryland Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1987 the average age of GED examinees decreased .3 more years in Maryland than in the nation. From 1986-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .2 more years in Maryland than in the nation. After Marylands high school graduation exam was implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Maryland, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school changed as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Maryland, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
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MISSISSIPPI
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Mississippi must pass the Mississippi Functional Literacy Exam (FLE) to receive a diploma. The class of 1989 was the first graduating class required to pass the FLE to receive a diploma. End-of-course exams called Subject Area Testing Program (SATP) Assessments are replacing the FLE. The FLE will continue to be administered until each new Subject Area Test has been approved to replace it. Dropout rate:
Mississippi - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0% Percent
10.0%
Mississippi Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 1 percent more students dropped out in Mississippi than in the nation. After Mississippis high school graduation exam was implemented, Mississippis
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Graduation rate:
Mississippi - High School Graduates
25.0%
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
Mississippi Nation
82
73
71
75
84
72
74
76
77
78
79
80
81
83
86
88
85
87
89
90
91
92
93
94
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
From 1988-1989 2.5 percent fewer students were graduated in Mississippi than in the nation. From 1988-1995 .4 percent fewer students were graduated in Mississippi than in the nation. After Mississippis high school graduation exam was implemented, Mississippis
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19
95
Mississippi - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Mississippi Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1988-1989 Mississippi lost .03 percent, as did the nation. From 1988-1999 .08 percent more students took the GED in Mississippi than in the nation. After Mississippis high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by
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Mississippi - Average Age of People W ho Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
Mississippi * Nation
27
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1988-1989 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Mississippi than in the nation. From 1988-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased 1 more year in Mississippi than in the nation. After Mississippis high school graduation exam was implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Mississippi, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Mississippi, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
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NEVADA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examination (HSPE) to receive a diploma. The class of 1981 was the first, the class of 1985 was the second, the class of 1992 was the third, and the class of 1999 was the fourth graduating class required to pass high school graduation exams in Nevada to receive a diploma. The class of 2003 will have to pass the new HSPE to graduate. Dropout rate:
Nevada - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0% Percent
10.0%
Nevada Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1991 Nevada maintained its average, as did the nation. From 1991-1992 1 percent fewer students dropped out in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1998 3 percent more students dropped out in Nevada than in the nation. After Nevadas high school graduation exams were implemented, Nevadas
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Graduation rate:
Nevada - High School Graduates

25.0%
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
Nevada Nation
From 1980-1981 .7 percent more students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. From 1980-1984 1.9 percent more students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. From 1984-1985 .8 percent fewer students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. From 1984-1991 .5 percent fewer students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1992 1.6 percent fewer students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1995 1.6 percent fewer students were graduated in Nevada than in the nation. After Nevadas high school graduation exams were implemented, Nevadas
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Nevada - Percent W ho Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Nevada Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1985 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in Nevada than the nation. From 1984-1991 .03 percent fewer students took the GED in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1992 .09 percent more students took the GED in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1998 .09 percent more students took the GED in Nevada than in the nation. From 1998-1999 .04 percent fewer students took the GED in Nevada than in the nation. After Nevadas high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
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Nevada - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
Nevada * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1991 the average age of GED examinees increased 1.2 more years in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1992 the average age of GED examinees increased 1 more year in Nevada than in the nation. From 1991-1998 the average age of GED examinees increased 2 more years in Nevada than in the nation. From 1998-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .1 more years in Nevada than in the nation. After Nevadas high school graduation exams were implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
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OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Nevada, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Nevada, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
Page 92 of 138
NEW JERSEY
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in New Jersey must pass the Grade 11 High School Proficiency Test (HSPT-11) to receive a diploma. The class of 1984 was the first, the class of 1987 was the second, and the class of 1995 was the third graduating class required to pass a high school graduation exam in New Jersey to receive a high school diploma. The class of 2003 will be required to pass the language arts literacy and math tests on the new High School Proficiency Assessments (HSPAs) to receive a diploma. Dropout rate:
New Jersey - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
New Jersey Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1994 New Jersey lost 1 percent, as did the nation. From 1994-1995 1 percent fewer students dropped out in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1998 New Jersey maintained its average, as did the nation.
Page 93 of 138
After New Jerseys high school graduation exams were implemented, New Jerseys dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation. Graduation rate:
New Jersey - High School Graduates
25.0%
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 85 19 74 19 92 19 91 19 87 19 89 19 94 19 93 19 86 19 81 19 83 19 88 19 90 19 95
New Jersey Nation
From 1983-1984 .9 percent fewer students were graduated in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1983-1986 .2 percent more students were graduated in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1986-1987 .7 percent more students were graduated in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1986-1994 .7 percent more students were graduated in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .1 percent more students were graduated in New Jersey than in the nation. After New Jerseys high school graduation exams were implemented, New
Jerseys graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.
Page 94 of 138
New Jersey - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
New Jersey Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1986 New Jersey gained .01 percent, as did the nation. From 1986-1987 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1986-1994 .03 percent more students took the GED in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .04 percent fewer students took the GED in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1999 .05 percent fewer students took the GED in New Jersey than in the nation. After New Jerseys high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
Page 95 of 138

New Jersey - Average Age of People W ho Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
New Jersey Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1987 the average age of GED examinees decreased .3 more years in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1986-1994 the average age of GED examinees increased .6 more years in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1995 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more years in New Jersey than in the nation. From 1994-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in New Jersey than in the nation. After New Jerseys high school graduation exams were implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
Page 96 of 138
OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in New Jersey, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school decreased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in New Jersey, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 97 of 138
NEW MEXICO
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in New Mexico must pass the New Mexico High School Competency Exam (NMHSCE) to receive a diploma. The class of 1990 was the first graduating class required to pass the NMHSCE to graduate. Dropout rate:
New M exico - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
New M exico Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 5 percent more students dropped out in New Mexico than in the nation. After New Mexicos high school graduation exam was implemented, New
Mexicos dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.
Page 98 of 138
Graduation rate:
New Mexico
25.0%
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
New Mexico Nation
Mexicos graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
From 1989-1990 .3 percent more students were graduated in New Mexico than in the nation. From 1989-1995 1.6 percent more students were graduated in New Mexico than in the nation. After New Mexicos high school graduation exam was implemented, New
Page 99 of 138
New Mexico - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
New Mexico Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1989-1990 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in New Mexico than in the nation. From 1989-1999 .06 percent fewer students took the GED in New Mexico than in the nation. After New Mexicos high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by
Page 100 of 138

New Mexico - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
New Mexico * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1989-1990 the average age of GED examinees decreased .1 more years in New Mexico than in the nation. From 1989-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .1 more years in New Mexico than in the nation. After New Mexicos high school graduation exam was implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in New Mexico, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school changed as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in New Mexico, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
Page 101 of 138
NEW YORK
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in New York must pass New Yorks Regents Exams to receive a diploma. Since the 1960s student performance on New Yorks Regents Exams has determined the type of diploma students receive at graduation. Until 1985 passing the exams was not required of students seeking a local diploma, however. The class of 1985 was the first and the class of 1995 was the second class that had to pass New Yorks Regents Exams to graduate with a local diploma. New York is in the process of transitioning to end-of-course Regents Exams. The class of 2000 was required to pass the English Regents Exam, the class of 2001 was required to pass the Math Regents Exam, and other classes will be required to pass other subject area exams thereafter.
Page 102 of 138
Dropout rate:
New York - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
New York Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1994 1 percent more students dropped out in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1995 New York gained 1 percent, as did the nation. From 1994-1998 1 percent more students dropped out in New York than in the nation. After New Yorks high school graduation exams were implemented, New Yorks
Page 103 of 138
Graduation rate:
New York - High School Graduates
25.0%
24.0% 23.0% 22.0% 21.0% 20.0% 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0%
New York Nation
8 19 7
9 19 7
From 1984-1985 .3 percent more students were graduated in New York than in the nation. From 1984-1994 .4 percent fewer students were graduated in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .3 percent fewer students were graduated in New York than in the nation. After New Yorks high school graduation exams were implemented, New Yorks
19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
19 7
19 7
19 7
19 7
19 7
19 7
19 7
Page 104 of 138
New York - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
New York Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1985 .03 percent fewer students took the GED in New York than in the nation. From 1984-1994 .16 percent fewer students took the GED in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1995 .01 percent more students took the GED in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1999 .01 percent more students took the GED in New York than in the nation. After New Yorks high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
Page 105 of 138

New York - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
New York Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1994 the average age of GED examinees increased .6 more years in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1995 the average age of GED examinees increased .3 more years in New York than in the nation. From 1994-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .7 more years in New York than in the nation. After New Yorks high school graduation exams were implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
Page 106 of 138
OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in New York, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in New York, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 107 of 138
NORTH CAROLINA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in North Carolina must pass the North Carolina Competency Tests to receive a diploma. The class of 1980 was the first and the class of 1998 was the second graduating class required to pass the competency tests to receive a diploma. The competency tests are equivalent forms of the end-of-grade tests at grade 8. Those students who do not pass the tests at the end of 8th grade must pass the competency tests to graduate. A new graduation exam of essential skills called North Carolinas High School Exit Exam is being phased in. The class of 2005 will be required to pass it to receive a diploma.
Page 108 of 138
Dropout rate:
North Carolina - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
North Carolina Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1997 2 percent fewer students dropped out in North Carolina than in the nation. From 1997-1998 North Carolina gained 1 percent, as did the nation. After North Carolinas high school graduation exams were implemented, North
Carolinas dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 109 of 138
Graduation rate:
North Carolina
25.0%
24.0%
23.0%
22.0%
21.0%
20.0%
19.0%
18.0%
17.0%
16.0%
15.0%
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 95
From 1979-1980 .1 percent fewer students were graduated in North Carolina than in the nation. From 1979-1995 .1 percent more students were graduated in North Carolina than in the nation. After North Carolinas high school graduation exams were implemented, how
North Carolinas graduation rate changed as compared to the nation is unclear.
Page 110 of 138
North Carolina - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1984-1997 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in North Carolina than in the nation. From 1997-1998 North Carolina maintained its percentage, as did the nation. From 1997-1999 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in North Carolina than in the nation. After North Carolinas high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate
by which people took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 111 of 138

North Carolina - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
North Carolina * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1997 the average age of GED examinees decreased 1.6 more years in North Carolina than in the nation. From 1997-1998 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more years in North Carolina than in the nation. From 1997-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .1 more years in North Carolina than in the nation. After North Carolinas high school graduation exams were implemented, the
average age of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is weak evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in North Carolina, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 112 of 138
There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of high school graduation exams in North Carolina, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
Page 113 of 138
OHIO
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Ohio must pass Ohios Proficiency Test to receive a diploma. The class of 1994 was the first graduating class required to pass the test to receive a diploma. Dropout rate:
Ohio - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Ohio Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1993-1994 2 percent more students dropped out in Ohio than in the nation. From 1993-1998 2 percent more students dropped out in Ohio than in the nation. After Ohios high school graduation exam was implemented, Ohios dropout rate
increased as compared to the nation.
Page 114 of 138
Graduation rate:
Ohio - High School Graduates
24.0%
23.0%
22.0%
21.0%
Ohio Nation
20.0%
19.0%
18.0% 17.0%
16.0%
15.0%
19 89 19 88 19 93 19 91 19 92 19 94 19 72 19 71 19 84 19 75 19 87 19 76 19 77 19 81 19 82 19 73 19 83 19 80 19 74 19 85 19 78 19 79 19 86 19 90 19 95
From 1993-1994 .2 percent more students were graduated in Ohio than in the nation. From 1993-1995 .3 percent fewer students were graduated in Ohio than in the nation. After Ohios high school graduation exam was implemented, Ohios graduation
rate decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 115 of 138
Ohio - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
Ohio Nation
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1993-1994 .02 Percent fewer students took the GED in Ohio than in the nation. From 1993-1999 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in Ohio than in the nation. After Ohios high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by which
people took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 116 of 138

Ohio - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
27
Ohio * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1993-1994 the average age of GED examinees decreased .2 more years in Ohio than in the nation. From 1993-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased 1.1 more years in Ohio than in the nation. After Ohios high school graduation exam was implemented, the average age of
people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Ohio, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school, increased as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how, after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Ohio, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
Page 117 of 138
SOUTH CAROLINA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in South Carolina must pass South Carolinas Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) Exit Examination to receive a diploma. The class of 1990 was the first graduating class required to pass the BSAP to receive a diploma. The class of 2005 will be required to pass a new test to receive a diploma. Dropout rate:
South Carolina - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
South Carolina Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 1 percent fewer students dropped out in South Carolina than in the nation. After South Carolinas high school graduation exam was implemented, South
Carolinas dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 118 of 138
Graduation rate:
South Carolina - High School Graduates
22.0%
21.0%
20.0%
19.0%
18.0%
17.0%
16.0%
15.0%
73 86 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 95
From 1989-1990 1.3 percent fewer students were graduated in South Carolina than in the nation. From 1989-1995 1.3 percent fewer students were graduated in South Carolina than in the nation. After South Carolinas high school graduation exam was implemented, South
Carolinas graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 119 of 138
South Carolina - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1989-1990 South Carolina gained .03 percent, as did the nation. From 1989-1999 .01 percent more students took the GED in South Carolina than in the nation. After South Carolinas high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by
Page 120 of 138

South Carolina - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
27
South Carolina * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1989-1990 South Carolina gained .2 years, as did the nation. From 1989-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in South Carolina than in the nation. After South Carolinas high school graduation exam was implemented, the
average age of people who took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is unclear evidence to suggest how, after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in South Carolina, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school changed as compared to the nation. There is unclear evidence to suggest how, after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in South Carolina, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program changed as compared to the nation.
Page 121 of 138
TENNESSEE
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Tennessee must pass the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Competency Test (TCAP/CT) to receive a diploma. The class of 1986 was the first and the class of 1998 was the second graduating class required to pass the TCAP/CT to receive a diploma. End-of-course exams are being developed to replace the TCAP/CT. Dropout rate:
Tennessee - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0% Percent
10.0%
Tennessee Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 Tennessee lost 1%, as did the nation. After Tennessees high school graduation exams were implemented, how
Tennessees dropout rate changed as compared to the nation is unclear.
Page 122 of 138
Graduation rate:
Tennessee - High School Graduates
24.0%
23.0% 22.0%
21.0%
20.0%
Tennessee Nation
19.0% 18.0%
17.0%
16.0% 15.0%
19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95 73 75 72 71 74 76 77 78 79 80 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 81
From 1985-1986 Tennessee lost .2 percent, as did the nation. From 1985-1995 1.1 percent more students were graduated in Tennessee than in the nation. After Tennessees high school graduation exams were implemented, Tennessees
Page 123 of 138
Tennessee - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Tennessee Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1985-1986 .03 percent more students took the GED in Tennessee than in the nation. From 1985-1997 .11 percent more students took the GED in Tennessee than in the nation. From 1997-1998 .01 percent fewer students took the GED in Tennessee than in the nation. From 1997-1999 .02 percent fewer students took the GED in Tennessee than in the nation. After Tennessees high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by
Page 124 of 138

Tennessee - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
Tennessee * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1997 the average age of GED examinees decreased 1.5 more years in Tennessee than in the nation. From 1997-1998 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Tennessee than in the nation. From 1997-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .3 more years in Tennessee than in the nation. After Tennessees high school graduation exams were implemented, the average
age of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 125 of 138
OVERALL FINDINGS: There is weak evidence to suggest that, after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Tennessee, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school decreased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Tennessee, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
Page 126 of 138
TEXAS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Texas must pass the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) to receive a diploma. The class of 1983 was the first graduating class required to take a high school graduation exam but did not have to pass it to receive a high school diploma. The class of 1987 was the first graduating class and the class of 1992 was the second graduating class required to pass a high school graduation exam to graduate. The class of 2005 will be required to pass the TAAS II to graduate. Dropout rate:
Texas - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Texas Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1991 1 percent fewer students dropped out in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1992 1 percent more students dropped out in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1998 1 percent more students dropped out in Texas than in the nation.
Page 127 of 138
After Texass high school graduation exams were implemented, Texass dropout rate increased as compared to the nation. Graduation rate:
Texas - High School Graduates
Texas Nation
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
From 1986-1987 .1 percent more students were graduated in Texas than in the nation. From 1986-1991 1.4 percent more students were graduated in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1992 1.1 percent fewer students were graduated in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1995 1.2 percent fewer students were graduated in Texas than in the nation. After Texas s high school graduation exams were implemented, Texass
Page 128 of 138
Texas - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.55%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Texas Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1987 .01 percent more students took the GED in Texas than in the nation. From 1986-1991 .07 percent more students took the GED in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1992 .02 percent more students took the GED in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1999 .03 percent fewer students took the GED in Texas than in the nation. After Texass high school graduation exams were implemented, the rate by which
people took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
Page 129 of 138

Texas - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28 Average age
Texas * Nation
27
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1987 the average age of GED examinees decreased .5 more years in Texas than in the nation. From 1986-1991 the average age of GED examinees decreased .4 more years in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1992 the average age of GED examinees increased .1 more years in Texas than in the nation. From 1991-1999 the average age of GED examinees increased .6 more years in Texas than in the nation. After Texass high school graduation exams were implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation.
Page 130 of 138
OVERALL FINDINGS: There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Texas, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school increased as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of high school graduation exams in Texas, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
Page 131 of 138
VIRGINIA
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS: High school students in Virginia must pass Virginias Literacy Passport Test (LPT) to receive a diploma. The class of 1986 was the first graduating class required to pass the LPT to receive a diploma. The LPT was last used for those students who were in the 6th grade in 1998 (the class of 2004). The LPT is being phased out and replaced by Virginias Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Since the spring of 1998, students in Virginia began taking Virginias SOLs. The class of 2004 will be required to pass 6 of the 12 end of course exams in order to receive a diploma.
Page 132 of 138
Dropout rate:
Virginia - Dropout Rate
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
Percent
10.0%
Virginia Nation
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
From 1990-1998 1 percent fewer students dropped out in Virginia than in the nation. After Virginias high school graduation exam was implemented, Virginias
Page 133 of 138
Graduation rate:
Virginia - High School Graduates
24.0%
23.0%
22.0%
21.0%
20.0%
Virginia Nation
19.0%
18.0%
17.0%
16.0%
15.0%
19 71 19 72 19 73 19 74 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 92 19 93 19 94 19 95
From 1985-1986 1 percent more students were graduated in Virginia than in the nation. From 1985-1995 1.4 percent more students were graduated in Virginia than in the nation After Virginias high school graduation exam was implemented, Virginias
Page 134 of 138
Virginia - Percent Who Took the GED
0.60%
0.50%
0.45%
0.40%
Virginia Nation
0.35%
0.30%
0.25%
0.20%
0.15%
0.10% 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1985-1986 Virginia gained .01 percent, as did the nation. From 1985-1999 .01 percent more students took the GED in Virginia than in the nation. After Virginias high school graduation exam was implemented, the rate by which
people took the GED exam increased as compared to the nation.
Page 135 of 138

Virginia - Average Age of People Who Took the GED Test
32
31
30
29
28
Average age
27
Virginia * Nation
26
25
24
23
22 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
From 1986-1999 the average age of GED examinees decreased .9 more years in Virginia than in the nation. After Virginias high school graduation exam was implemented, the average age
of people who took the GED exam decreased as compared to the nation. OVERALL FINDINGS: There is unclear evidence to suggest how after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Virginia, the rate by which students dropped out or were not graduated from high school changed as compared to the nation. There is strong evidence to suggest that after the implementation of the high school graduation exam in Virginia, the rate by which students enrolled in the GED program increased as compared to the nation.
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Notes and References

1
See for example Judd, C. M., Smith, E. R., & Kidder, L. H. (1991). Research methods in social relations (6th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers and Smith, M. L., & Glass, G.V (1987). Research and evaluation in education and the social sciences. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
See for example Fraenkel, J. R., & Wallen, N. E. (2000). How to design and evaluate research in education (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill, Inc.; Glass, G.V (1988). Quasi-experiments: The case of interrupted time series. In R. M. Jaeger (Ed.), Complementary methods for research in education. Washington, D.C.: American Educational Research Association; Smith, M. L., & Glass, G.V (1987). Research and evaluation in education and the social sciences. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
3 4
Ibid.
Glass, G.V (1988). Quasi-experiments: The case of interrupted time series. In R. M. Jaeger (Ed.), Complementary methods for research in education. Washington, D.C.: American Educational Research Association.
5
Campbell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (1963). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research on teaching. In N. L. Gage (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching. Chicago, IL: Rand McNally and Company.
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External Review Panel

Gregory Camilli, Ph.D. Department of Educational Psychology Graduate School of Education Rutgers University Sherman J. Dorn, Ph.D. Department of Psychology and Social Formation College of Education University of South Florida Walter M. Haney, Ed.D. Department of Educational Research Methods and Evaluation Lynch School of Education Boston College Anthony G. Rud Jr., Ph.D. Department of Educational Studies School of Education Purdue University
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TECHNICAL APPENDIX An Analysis of Some Unintended and Negative Consequences of High-Stakes Testing

by Audrey L. Amrein And David C. Berliner Arizona State University

EDUCATION POLICY STUDIES LABORATORY

Education Policy Research Unit

An Analysis of Some Unintended and Negative Consequences of High-Stakes Testing

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.

Georgias graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

28 Average age Georgia * Nation

Louisianas dropout rate changed as compared to the nation is unclear.

graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.

Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

dropout rate decreased as compared to the nation.

Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

Maryland - Percent W ho Took the GED

Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.

Nevada - High School Graduates

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

New Jersey Nation

Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment

New Jersey Nation

Jerseys graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.

0.55% Number of GED examinees / Total state population

New Jersey Nation

Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

New Jersey Nation

New M exico Nation

Mexicos dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.

New Mexico Nation

Mexicos graduation rate increased as compared to the nation.

Number of GED examinees / Total state population

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Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees:

New Mexico * Nation

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New York Nation

dropout rate increased as compared to the nation.

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Percent = H.S. graduates / Total secondary public school enrollment

New York Nation

graduation rate decreased as compared to the nation.

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Number of GED examinees / Total state population

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Average age of General Education Diploma (GED) Examinees: