Pence signs executive order to shorten ISTEP test

That's good news — in theory, say local superintendents.

But what's not so good is that just three weeks before Indiana students take the first portion of the ISTEP, Pence is potentially asking for drastic changes to be made to the upcoming test.

"The main concern is that here we are three weeks out from taking a test — the 'high stakes test' — that grades students, grades schools, provides for teacher and principal pay, and we aren't quite sure what to expect," said Tippecanoe School Corp. Superintendent Scott Hanback. "It takes time to build class schedules in order to take time out from the normal day to conduct standardized testing."

The order puts more stress on an already stressful year; it wasn't until weeks into the school year that teachers first got a look at the new state standards their students will be tested on this spring.

As the J&C reported Feb. 3, schools were informed two weeks ago students and teachers would see a dramatic increase in the length of time required for students to complete this year's test. The test, formerly around six hours long, will now take in some cases more than 12 hours to complete.