The Influence of Incentives on Student Performance on Low- and High-Stakes, Large-Scale Assessments

• In Event: 75.061 - Roundtable Session 34
  In Roundtable Session: 75.061-6 - Examining Student Achievement: Impact of Magnet Programs, Extracurricular Activities, and Incentives

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between high school student motivation and low- and high-stakes large-scale assessment performance within the context of incentive programs in a large school district. A mixed methods approach was used based on data obtained from principle interviews, in addition to the test-taking motivation and low- and high-stakes test scores of 5,245 10th-grade students. Emergent themes based on interviews included: Importance of tests; incentive use; responses to incentives; incentive data; and, resources. Student performance on state-mandated assessments correlated with test-taking effort and schools with performance-based incentive programs demonstrated higher achievement levels than non-incentive schools. Implications to practice and research related to school- and district-wide efforts to promote students’ test-taking motivation is discussed.

Authors

• Carl Dean McGee, Kern High School District

• Jason C. Immekus, University of Louisville