High Stakes Testing Policy Issues in Education: An Analysis of Litigation Involving High Stakes Testing and the Denial of Diplomas

Abstract

This study analyzed the legal documents of cases involving the denial of a high school diploma as the result of not passing a high stakes exam in public education. The qualitative extrapolation of consistent themes in the court documents revealed information regarding the court's interpretation of the intersection of state authority to establish diploma requirements, and the rights of the students who were denied their diploma. The results of the study were influenced greatly by the case law evolution, and therefore presented a historical a caption of analysis as well as the intended content analysis. The independent issues presented to the courts were examined and discussed, as well as the differences between rulings involving students with disabilities and regular education students, and differences by judicial regions. The results of the analysis inform the reader of the history of high stakes testing and the constitutionality of the policy during different decades and under federal legislation regarding subgroups of students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]