IDOE Asks State Board To Change Flanner House A-F Grade

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The Indiana Department of Education found a number of issues with ISTEP+ scores and testing practices at Flanner House Elementary School in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Department of Education is requesting the State Board of Education change Flanner House Elementary School’s accountability score from an A to “No Grade.” The request comes after an IDOE and Office of Education Innovation investigation showed Flanner House teachers cheated on last year’s ISTEP+ tests, raising the Indianapolis charter schools passing rate from 42 percent in 2011-2012 to 95 percent last year. The school’s passing rate for this year was 56.5 percent.

This dramatic, one year increase prompted the investigation, and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s office, which sponsors the charter, says teachers changed incorrect answers and gave students test items before the testing window, among other testing violations.

In its memo to the State Board, the IDOE’s said its argument is, “Due to the recent invalidation of 2013 ISTEP+ data for Flanner House Elementary School the Department of Education deems the current category placement for the school an inaccurate reflection of school performance.”

The school board voted to close the school Sept. 11, and Marion County Prosecutor’s office is investigating criminal charges.