1) Standardized tests take a great toll on students' emotions. They can

cause stress, worry, and anxiety; Students receive pressure from both

teachers and parents to do well. This increases stress in an already

very stressful life for students.

2) A May 26, 2011, National Research Council report found no evidence

test-based incentive programs are working.

3) Testing is expensive and costs have increased since NCLB, placing a

burden on state education budgets.

4) Some students simply do not test well. Many students are affected by

test anxiety or do not show their learning well on a standardized

test, resulting in inaccurately lower scores.

5) Grade retention has repeatedly been proven to be counterproductive:

students who are retained do not improve academically, are emotionally

damaged by retention, suffer a loss of interest in school and

self-esteem, and are more likely to drop out of school.