More challenging standards-based exams reduce graduation and increase incarceration rates

This study evaluates the effects of high school exit exams on high school graduation, incarceration, employment and wages.

The authors find relatively modest effects of high school exit exams except on incarceration.

Exams assessing academic skills below the high school level have little effect.

More challenging standards-based exams reduce graduation and increase incarceration rates.
About half the reduction in graduation rates is offset by increased GED receipt.


The authorsfind no consistent effects of exit exams on employment or the
distribution of wages.