Tim KautzBook Chapter · 2014
Achievement Tests and the Role of Character in American Life
Heckman, James J. and Tim Kautz
In The Myth of Achievement Tests, edited by J.J. Heckman, J.E. Humphries, and T. Kautz. University of Chicago Press. pp. 3-56
Summary
This chapter discusses the predictive power of achievement tests. It shows that achievement tests do not explain much variation in meaningful later-life outcomes, partly because achievement tests miss character skills, such as persistence, curiosity, and self-control. It reviews the history of achievement tests and the role of character in American education. It discusses the GED, a prominent achievement test that is used to certify high school equivalency. It provides an overview of the characteristics of GED recipients and the returns to the GED.