Local principals are raising very valid points about the state’s recent up-and-down and back-and-forth on the length of ISTEP testing that begins March 2.
Indiana Department of Education first had the test timed at 11 hours, but due to the ongoing debate between Governor Mike Pence and Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz, the test apparently will be lessened by three hours.
Eastwood principal Jacob White anticipates that the time reduction will take “the stamina factor” out of the mandated tests. “That’s going to be a big relief for our students,” White said.
Shenandoah Elementary School principal Brent Kinsey said, “In general, we appreciate the efforts of those who helped reduce the total testing time for our students. As a whole, we embrace accountability for our teachers and students. However, I don’t know if the people creating this testing fiasco understand the impact of high-stakes testing on 9-year-old children. It’s disappointing to say the least.”
“We will be able to get the testing done in 3-4 days now, instead of the 5-6 days originally planned,” Parker principal Lora Wilson said. “The entire test has essentially been divided in half.”
Knightstown Elementary principal Danielle Carmichael said, “Reducing the time does help and will allow us more instructional time with our students.”
High schools, however, await instruction from the state. New Castle High School counselor and testing coordinator Jerry Walden said NCHS is still waiting on guidance from IDOE.
Several principals echoed the concern about the high levels of scrutiny and education funding decisions that Indiana ties to student performance.
“Testing seems to be all we do anymore,” said Blue River Valley elementary principal Kevin Lester. “I prefer students spend more time engaged in meaningful classroom instruction and learning opportunities rather than being subjected to the testing experience which is often stressful and lacks any kind of instructional value,” McAllister said.
Many of the area principals wondered if the validity of the ISTEP was being sacrificed through the time reductions.
“If the original creators of the assessment felt students needed to take all eight parts for the test to be valid, what happens to the validity of the test when students only take half? Furthermore, if the assessment is valid with only taking four sessions, then why did it ever get to the unacceptable length to begin with?” Wilson asked.
Wilbur Wright principal Tony Personett echoed Wilson’s concern. “With different schools taking different parts or questions of the test, how are they going to compare results?”