There were nearly 2,000 ISTEP test booklets locked away in a School City of Mishawaka warehouse when administrators there first learned they’ll have to modify the test before it’s given to students next week.
Now, Mishawaka, and other systems around the state, are eliminating parts of the exam to cut three hours off the time it takes students to take it.
Carolyn Freeman, coordinator for assessment and high ability programs for Mishawaka, said of the changes, “It’s really pretty simple. It’s basically half of the test.”
The test is different from past years because it’s based on Indiana’s new standards and includes pilot questions. In its entirety, it would take as long as 12 hours to complete.
But after outcry from parents, educators and others, along with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, a legislative solution shortened the length of the test. But that all happened after it had been printed and delivered to schools.
In Plymouth schools, social worker and testing administrator Elizabeth Cobb said that since her district administers the test online, she’s able to remove portions eliminated by the state before teachers giving the test will have access to it, so there will be no confusion over which parts students should take.