What negative effect can high-stakes testing have on teachers?

High-stakes testing can exert significant pressure on teachers to focus primarily on the material that will be assessed, often referred to as "teaching to the test." This means that educators may feel compelled to align their instruction closely with the content and skills evaluated in standardized tests, rather than providing a broader, more enriched educational experience. This focus can limit the curriculum and inhibit innovative teaching practices, as educators may prioritize test preparation over exploring diverse topics, interdisciplinary approaches, or creative lesson planning. Consequently, this pressure can ultimately diminish the overall quality of education that students receive, as it restricts opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and engagement with the material in a meaningful way.