Indiana

ISTEP by ISTEP

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett says the state is ready to step in and take over under performing schools.

Bennett’s comments followed the release of  state ISTEP test scores. While ISTEP results  showed statewide pass rates of 70% for English, 71%  for Math, 62% for Science, and 59% for Social Studies, nearly 40% of students  failed to pass either one or both portions of the new exam.

In addition, test results tend to fall, the higher the grade level.  English test score pass rates went from 74% in the third grade to 65% in the 8th grade.  Math test score pass rates went from 72% in the third grade to 67%.  Test results also dropped in science and social studies.

Some educators have complained the pass ISTEP test was too difficult and it left some students crying.  Bennett says while his office addressed some inherent problems in the last exam, they are not going to compromise standards and lower the bar.

He did add however that schools should be allowed to operate in a “charter-like” environemnt and have the freedom and flexibility necessary to advance student achievement.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on September 17, 2009 (boomark / email).