The relationship of high school graduation exams to graduation rates and SAT scores.

Authors

  • Gregory J. Marchant Ball State University
  • Sharon E. Paulson Ball State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v13n6.2005

Abstract

The current study examined the effect of high school graduation exams on states' graduation rates, states' aggregated SAT scores, and individual students' SAT scores. Three data sources were used: One source identified states requiring a standardized test for graduation; the NCES provided state aggregated data on graduation rates for the class of 2002; and the College Board provided its 2001 SAT database for all test-takers. After controlling for students' demographic characteristics (e.g., race, family education and income, GPA and class rank), regression analyses revealed that states requiring graduation exams had lower graduation rates and lower SAT scores. Individually, students from states requiring a graduation exam performed more poorly on the SAT than did students from states not requiring an exam. The impact of high stakes tests' on students' motivation to stay in school and on the teaching of critical thinking skills (tested by the SAT) are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Gregory J. Marchant, Ball State University

Gregory J. Marchant is a professor of educational psychology at Ball State University. His research interests focus on the influence of demographic variables on standardized test results. He is also involved in evaluation and the development of the Learning Assessment Model Project used to demonstrate student learning of teacher candidates.

Sharon E. Paulson, Ball State University

Sharon E. Paulson is a professor of educational psychology specializing in adolescent development at Ball State University. Her research interests include program evaluation and factors related to school achievement during adolescence.

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Published

2005-01-21

How to Cite

Marchant, G. J. ., & Paulson, S. E. . (2005). The relationship of high school graduation exams to graduation rates and SAT scores. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 13, 6. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v13n6.2005

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Section

Articles