Which is the most direct impact of high-stakes testing on teachers?

High-stakes testing significantly impacts teachers through the potential linking of their salaries to student test performance. This connection means that educators may feel an increased burden to ensure that their students perform well on these assessments, as their financial incentives directly depend on outcomes. Therefore, this creates a high-pressure environment where teachers might alter their instructional methods, emphasizing test preparation over broader learning experiences.

In contrast, while factors like school reputation, student attitudes, and increased oversight from administrators due to performance pressure are relevant considerations, they do not directly influence a teacher's professional compensation. The most immediate and personal effect of high-stakes testing on teachers is indeed the risk of their salaries being tied to the performance of their students on these tests, which can drive significant changes in teaching practices.