What may negatively impact students' motivation and performance on tests?

A lack of challenge in the curriculum can significantly influence students' motivation and performance on tests. When students are not adequately challenged, they may feel bored or disengaged, which can lead to a decrease in their overall interest in the subject matter. This lack of stimulation can result in minimal effort during study sessions and on assessments, as students may not see the relevance or value in engaging deeply with the material.

Additionally, gifted and talented students often thrive in environments that push their limits and promote critical thinking and creativity. Without sufficient challenges, these students may feel that the work is not meeting their capabilities and may underperform as a result. This emphasizes the importance of providing an appropriately challenging curriculum to keep students motivated and engaged in their learning.