Math scores in high stakes grades

Abstract

We investigate whether math tests taken by German primary and secondary students during a high stakes grade produce higher scores than tests done during low stakes grades. We define as high stakes grade the final grade of primary or secondary school, because good performance in that grade can affect future opportunities. Our difference-in-differences estimates show that math scores increase on average by 0.17 to 0.22 standard deviations during high stakes grades, a sizeable effect. Reading scores, however, are not affected.