NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

How can a negative attitudinal bias impact educational assessment?

1. Improves student engagement

2. Encourages diverse learning styles

3. May lead to unfair evaluation of a student's abilities

4. Enhances cultural awareness

The correct answer is: May lead to unfair evaluation of a student's abilities

A negative attitudinal bias can significantly affect educational assessment by causing evaluators to unfairly judge a student’s abilities based on preconceived notions or stereotypes rather than on objective criteria. When an assessor harbors negative biases, they may unconsciously lower expectations for certain students or overlook their accomplishments, thereby leading to assessments that do not truly reflect the student's knowledge or skills. This unfair evaluation can manifest in various ways, such as skewed grading, lack of attention to the quality of the student's work, or ineffective feedback that does not encourage improvement. It can ultimately hinder the student's educational progress and self-esteem, reinforcing negative beliefs about their abilities and potential. Recognizing and addressing such biases within educational assessments is crucial for ensuring equitable opportunities for all students to succeed and thrive in their learning environments.