[alphabeta3r56]

One big reason is preparation, people start preparing for tests 2 to 3 years in advance. And the method of testing influences exams used in grades before as well.

So assume 4 years of high school and someone that just came in. They are still preparing for SAT like tests in their first year of high school. Someone in final year of high school is well trained in it. So even though the benefits do not carry, enough portion of incoming students are still reaping benefits of standardized tests. The decay only shows later when batches without any benefits of standardized tests are coming through.

[insane_dreamer]

> They are still preparing for SAT like tests in their first year of high school.

Literally nobody does that except high achievers whose parents are pushing them for a high SAT score to get into Stanford or whatnot. Those are not likely to be the kids who are now getting Fs.

[lucb1e]

> people start preparing for tests 2 to 3 years in advance

Pardon? Is that a normal thing in the USA? I don't think I've ever started preparing for a test more than a week and a half ahead, a month if you count graduation exams. Not sure they ever determined more than a year in advance (more commonly: a bit less than a semester) what tests we'd be given in the first place