This diagram depicts the cause and effect of how different variables in the education system affect student performance and education quality. Curriculum and Federal Funding can positively and negatively impact the quality of education of a school. The better the quality education, the better a student will likely perform in class. When a student performs better or worse, that affects the test score outcome. When test scores are higher or lower, that affects the amount of federal funding given to the school. High stakes testing increases students' stress levels, which can lead to a negative student performance on tests.