The recent issues with Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) have left many Hoosiers asking one question — is the test needed? The Indianapolis Recorder spoke with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and a local teacher to get a better understanding of how the test affects Indiana schools, educators and students.
The press secretary of the IDOE, Samantha Hart, said according to state law, the State Board of Education is required to annually place schools and corporations in categories of school performance.
“These accountability categories are currently calculated using ISTEP+ scores as a primary measure for elementary and middle schools. Schools placed in the lowest accountability category (F) for six consecutive years are subject to possible state takeover by the State Board of Education,” Hart said.
Local third-grade teacher Ashley Miller said she believes teachers are not given enough information about the way the test should be taken, and student scores reflect that.
“Our kids are able to master the skills they are tested on in a classroom setting, but being that the test is set up on the computer, when it’s time to take the test many students don’t know how to manipulate it,” Miller said.
When asked if the IDOE believes it gives teachers adequate information prior to the test, Hart answered, “The department works proactively with schools and educators to provide them with the support and resources they need to ensure a smooth testing environment for students.”
Miller said situations like the testing challenges the state has experienced in recent years are discouraging.
“It’s discouraging to see the children not pass the test when I know they are very knowledgeable (on test content),” said Miller.
In addition to the challenges associated with the new computer testing system, Miller said more students experience test anxiety while taking ISTEP+ than when taking other tests.
“I’ve seen many students have performance anxiety during ISTEP+ testing. They want to do their best but know it is time to perform, so they get nervous. I also have many kids that can perform really well if you give them enough time, but because the test is timed, they rush.”
Overall, Miller said she doesn’t see a need for ISTEP+.
“I believe the way it is set up doesn’t give a fair outlook on what teachers and students are doing in the classroom,” said Miller.
Although the IDOE doesn’t agree with eliminating ISTEP+, they do believe there should be some changes.
“Superintendent of the Indiana Department of Education, Glenda Ritz, believes it is imperative Indiana move away from ISTEP+ and its pass/fail, high-stakes nature to a student-centered, individualized assessment that provides educators, students and families with information about how a student is performing and how they have grown through a school year,” said Hart.
“Currently, there are several bills in the Indiana House and Senate that reflect Superintendent Ritz’s call for assessment reform, and the superintendent will continue to work with the legislature to turn this common-sense idea into law.”
For more information, visit doe.in.gov.
