Children in US schools take many tests before high school. A 2026 study looked at 67 groups of schools across 38 states. Children took between 35 and 88 required tests before high school. The middle number was 57. The study found no link between the number of tests and how well children did in English or maths. More tests also showed no link with greater progress.
US public schools must test reading and maths every year from grade three to grade eight. They must also give these tests at least once in high school. The results can change how states judge schools. Many schools give more lesson time to English and maths. Some cut time for other subjects, such as art.
Tests also affect teachers. In a 2016 survey, 62% of teachers said they spent too much time getting children ready for state tests. Teachers spent an average of 14 days out of a 180-day school year on this work. Research found that unhappiness with testing was an important reason some teachers left teaching.
