Evolution of High-Stakes Exams

The evolution of high-stakes exams refers to the shift in their intent from primarily assessing individual student knowledge to also comparing and ranking educational systems on a broader scale. This transformation has been influenced by educational reforms aimed at standardization and accountability, reinforcing merit-based advancement through objective assessments.

The introduction of standardized testing in the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in the United States, marked a significant evolution. Developed to provide a common measure for assessing college readiness, the SAT was intended to facilitate equal opportunities based on merit, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to demonstrate their abilities through objective assessments.

Examining the evolution of high-stakes exams leads us to explore their current role and significance within modern education systems and how they impact merit-based advancement today.