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TITLE IX INFORMER

Home > 10 Key Areas of Title IX > Standardized Testing

Standardized Testing


Before Title IX

Girls consistently scored lower than boys on standardized tests. No one even considered that scores could be affected by the kinds of questions asked or how they were asked. But they are.

Since Title IX

Title IX requires that tests must be valid predictors of success in the areas being tested and that they measure what they say they measure. If a test doesn't meet this standard, and if it results in a lower score for a significant number of members of one sex, it may be unlawful.

Why Title IX Is Still Critical

Testing disparities continue to have a harmful impact on educational and economic opportunities available to women and girls, and particularly to students of color. The educational divide deepens in high stakes tests.

  • Despite Title IX requirements, most standardized tests used in K-12 classrooms and for university admissions continue to show gender gaps and under-predict the abilities of females.
  • Gender differences in math and science start small and grow as students reach secondary school, where boys outperform girls on standardized tests.
  • Fewer females than males receive valuable awards, such as the National Merit Scholarship, because test scores are still used as the sole qualifying criteria.
The need for Title IX protections increases daily with new state and federal mandates imposing high-stakes, gateway tests on our children, beginning as early as 4th grade.

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RELATED EXPLORATION

Sharif v. New York State Education Department

In 1989, a federal court ruled in Sharif v. New York State Education Department that the state of New York could no longer rely only on SAT scores to determine who would receive state college scholarships.

Explore this case Read More