The Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) took action to shorten the length of future ISTEP+ assessments. Fourth District SBOE Representative Sarah O’Brien presented a resolution to the board to reduce the length and cost of future ISTEP+ tests by including only the minimum number of items required by state and federal law and not expanding the test to grades and subjects not currently tested. The SBOE passed O’Brien’s resolution.
The resolution sets parameters for contract negotiations between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and testing vendors. O’Brien also cited concerns over IDOE recommendations to cut iRead-3 and voluntary K-2 assessments. She noted the data helps parents and teachers identify if their students are struggling early in their education. She also expressed strong concern over additional reading items IDOE added to this year’s ISTEP+ testing that exceeded state and federal requirements and were prohibited by the Indiana Education Roundtable.
The SBOE also approved multiple resolutions concerning Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). The Board approved a resolution authorizing IPS to operate Arlington High School, which had previously been operated by an outside turnaround vendor. IPS will operate Arlington, but the school will remain under the jurisdiction of the Board. The board also extended a contract with Charter Schools USA to operate Emma Donnan Middle School through June 30, 2020 and passed a resolution supporting the establishment of a K-6 feeder school within Emma Donnan.
The SBOE also passed a motion to conduct an independent validity study of the ISTEP+ assessment to ensure its reliability, and approved accountability measures for adult high schools and Title I funding for at-risk schools.
The next SBOE meeting will be May 7.
