Out-Of-Step ISTEP scores and the The No Child Left Behind Statute
Note the law's purpose found in SEC. 1001. "TITLE I--IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. The purpose of this title is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging State academic achievement standards and state academic assessments." (This is not really a complete post: I shall edit this soon to discuss how the statue defines a 'failing school' and what this statute dictates as a remedy for that school. I know there is another thread on the ISTEP topic, but this thread examines and invites comments of the NCLB Statute, and the remedies therein as applied to Anderson schools.) Question: Is Anderson Elementary a failing school, and, if so, what happens to it under the law?
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
There are many other districts in the state that, should the state decide to "take over" a district, would be taken over well before Anderson. We are not the lowest, and we have made more progress in the past 7 years than most other districts, especally struggling districts. In addition, we are ahead of where we are asked to be in terms of School Imporvement Plans, curriculm mapping and more.
The state won't be "taking over" any districts in the near future.
President Just a member of ACSC Board of Trustees
With all that said, I do understand that we are in a critical situation in need of attention.
Do you have any suggestions?
President Just a member of ACSC Board of Trustees
Thank you for asking, Tobi. I do have a few suggestions, and shall post them, if not tonight, then at least by tomorrow. I am not an expert in the field of education, but I do have a few thoughts on the matter. Please stay tuned...
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Tobi, bear with me here; I want to make sure I am fair about this. My concerns center primarily on Anderson Elementary. It is important to me, before I go off half-cocked, to have all the facts. I want to see the numbers from the last ISTEP scores at AE...
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
I have the numbers from AE last year and this year. But, in looking at those numbers, you have to understand that this is not the same children being tested and there were about twice as many tested this year as last.
Would you like me to post those numbers for you?
President Just a member of ACSC Board of Trustees
Yes Tobi, thank you. Do your numbers have a break down of special needs students who are included in the test-taking. I have been told that if I did not take that into consideration, then my criticisms may not be fair, and may miss the mark.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Yes, give me a few, I'll get it together.
President Just a member of ACSC Board of Trustees
Tobi, take your time. Further, I have an 8-page article I want you to read. It is about gangs in LA, and while you may ask what does that have to do with anything, I just want to politely ask that you look at it. Will you do so in you free time? If so, I will post the link, if I can do it.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.
Yes, I would love to see it. Many people want to think that we do not have a gang problem here in Anderson, but I believe that we do have something to be concerned about. If we are smart we will look at what cities who have dealt with this for a long time have learned.
I was actually wrong about my information. I have the breakdown for all schools together, grade by grade in English, Math and Science (where applicable), but for each individual school, all I have is overall per grade. I will post that, even though it doesn't take special ed and ESL and breakdown F/R lunch, (ok, that is like 95% at AE and Robinson) or racial breakdown. It will still be a starting point.
President Just a member of ACSC Board of Trustees
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act was signed into law on January 8, 2002, and required standardized testing. ISTEP is the test given in Indiana. ISTEP scores may not accurately reflect a school's progress, but they do reflect something. Note the progress at Anderson Elementary, and compare that with Frankton schools, or even Kilbuck. Something is wrong. No matter what people say, education in this town is not highly valued, and the scores reflect that. Those low scores at Anderson Elementary were not only low, they were dismal, and no one should be surprised when, in a few years, and pursuant to No Child Left Behind law, that school is no longer run locally. This coming grief is percolating slowly, but nevertheless percolating. The entire No Child Left Behind Law is found here: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/beginning.html#sec2.
“Fear not the soul of a poet, for it is yours to develop, to keep, and to use.” Words of OldWiseOne, 2007.