Lingering ISTEP Score Issues Could Help Three Failing Schools
INSBOE members Byron Ernest (left), a charter school director, and Eddie Melton listen during a board meeting last year. (Photo Credit: Rachel Morello/StateImpact Indiana)
The State Board of Education meets Tuesday for it’s monthly meeting, and the big agenda item this week is approving the 2015 A-F grades.
After the late release of the 2015 ISTEP+ scores earlier this month, which factor heavily in the calculation of A-F grades, we saw a huge drop in scores – almost 20 percent lower statewide. Many credit this drop to more rigorous standards and argue that students, teachers and schools should have more time to adjust.
Because of these low scores, the General Assembly rushed two bills through the legislative process that would temporarily shield schools and teachers from the negative consequences of these low scores. Governor Mike Pence signed both bills into law Thursday.
And this week, board member Steve Yager put forth a resolution to continue that sentiment for three schools that are on the brink of the dreaded sixth year of failing grades.
West Side Leadership Academy in the Gary Community School Corporation, and Caze Elementary and Washington Middle Schools in the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation received five straight Fs, which mean a sixth consecutive failing grade could lead to state takeover among other options.
Yager’s resolution asks that if these three schools receive an F based off last year’s ISTEP+ scores, they aren’t made eligible for the consequences that come with a sixth F. In his resolution, Yager writes the improvements these schools demonstrated to the board over the last year prove they don’t need state intervention because of low scores on a new test.
SBOE spokesperson Marc Lotter says all three of these schools held the mandatory public meetings this year, which showed strong improvement.
“They have really strong plans in place to help grow the students and improve overall academic performance,” he says. “There’s strong community support and support from local school corporations.”
The SBOE will vote on the resolution and release all A-F grades tomorrow.
