What can be a consequence of using only standardized test scores to assess a teacher's effectiveness?

Using only standardized test scores to assess a teacher's effectiveness can lead to a misrepresentation of teacher performance. Standardized tests primarily measure students' performance in specific subjects at a particular point in time and may not capture the full breadth of a teacher's contributions or the learning environment they create. Factors such as classroom dynamics, student varying backgrounds, and individual learning styles are not reflected in test scores. Consequently, relying solely on these metrics can obscure a teacher's true effectiveness and undervalue their instructional methods, creativity, and ability to foster a positive learning experience, potentially impacting their professional reputation and career progression.

Comprehensive evaluations, on the other hand, provide a more holistic view by including various factors like classroom observations, feedback from peers and students, and contributions to the school community. Enhanced accountability usually pertains to broader measures that involve multiple metrics, and increased student engagement is often a result of teaching practices, not solely reflected in test scores. Hence, the reliance on standardized test scores alone can create a misleading assessment of a teacher's abilities and impact.