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, how they were asked or that gender influenced test scores. 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.•  


 Resource: 2008 AAUW Report “Where the Girls Are: The Facts about Gender Equity in Education,” available at http://www.aauw.org/research/WhereGirlsAre.cfm

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 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 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.

Take Action

Ask the Secretary of Education to Keep Title IX Strong