External Comparative Exams Improve Student Performance

The use of school performance testing is on the rise across the world. A new study by the ifo Institute, which investigates the impact of reforms of tests and examination systems in 59 countries between 2000 and 2015 using PISA microdata on over 2 million students shows that the introduction of external comparative tests improves student performance in mathematics, science and reading. Unlike external tests, the introduction of internal school tests and teacher inspections without external comparisons does not systematically lead to better student performance. In other words, external comparisons are important if tests are to improve student performance.