High-stakes testing significantly impacts educational policy by influencing curriculum design, teaching practices, and assessment standards. Such assessments often drive schools to prioritize standardized test performance over holistic education, which can lead to a narrowed curriculum focusing primarily on tested subjects. This may also encourage "teaching to the test," where instructors emphasize test-taking strategies rather than critical thinking. Furthermore, high-stakes testing can perpetuate inequities, as students from disadvantaged backgrounds may lack the resources necessary for optimal test preparation, ultimately affecting their educational opportunities.