Book excerpt: High-stakes testing is not a new term in the world of education. In fact, high-stakes testing is a staple in the education system in many countries, a factor that affects school systems, teachers, students, politicians, and parents (Minarechova, 2012, p. 82). This mixed-methods study explored how high-stakes testing is affecting students, teachers, and curriculum in grades six through eight in two low socioeconomic schools. With the growing importance for the United States' education system to keep up with other countries, testing and assessment are at the forefront of many conversations. Although high-stakes testing certainly serves a significant purpose in schools across the United States, there are also several unintended consequences of this rigorous testing system inspired by NCLB.