INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are considering whether schools could be spared a second year from penalties based on poor student scores on the state’s ISTEP standardized test.
The Indianapolis Star reports the percentage of students with passing scores on the 2016 ISTEP dipped statewide, which can hurt the A-F ratings of their schools and affect teacher evaluations.
The state had relief from federal accountability requirements last year that allowed them to keep teacher pay and A-F grades from dropping while students got used to the test. The U.S. Department of Education hasn’t given similar protections this year.
Incoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick and top lawmakers say they’re studying the issue. McCormick has previously said she supports not counting last spring’s ISTEP scores against schools so teachers, schools and districts aren’t held accountable unfairly.
