Dominance of High-Stakes Exams in Education

High-stakes exams currently play a dominant role in shaping educational landscapes. They are instrumental in evaluating student performance, guiding instructional practices, and influencing policy decisions. These exams often occur at key transition points, affecting students’ academic progression and future opportunities based on their demonstrated merit.

In many countries, end-of-course exams or standardized tests, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, determine student eligibility for higher education and impact school evaluations. High performance on these exams can open doors to prestigious institutions and scholarships, emphasizing their role in recognizing and rewarding merit.

Understanding the prevalence of high-stakes exams today sets the stage for analyzing their intended purposes and goals within educational systems, especially concerning merit-based evaluation.