Statewide ISTEP test scores decline

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BY TIMES STAFF | Thursday, December 04, 2008 | (49 comment(s))

INDIANAPOLIS | Results released Thursday show fewer Indiana students passing annual ISTEP student achievement tests.

Statewide, the median passing rates for the fall test were 74 percent in math, 71 percent in language arts and 60 percent in science. For all but two grade levels passing marks declined one percentage point from last year or remained flat.

MORE: Visit the state Web site created to allow parents to track their children's ISTEP results. Schools will send secure login codes to parents.

Despite gains made by many local schools, the latest results are disappointing from a state perspective.

"Of course, we need to do better. There’s no question about," said Suellen Reed, state superintendent of public instruction. "Until we have 100 percent passing, we’re never going to be satisfied."

The state saw a two percentage point increase, to 81 percent, in the number of eighth-graders passing the math portion of the exam.

Passing levels remained unchanged from last year or declined by one point in every other category except fourth-grade math, which dropped two points, to 73 percent.

Students are tested in math and English in grades three through eight and during their sophomore year of high school. The science portion of the exam, which does not impact federal No Child Left Behind rankings, is administered to fifth- and seventh-graders.

Bruce Bush, principal of Thomas Edison Jr.-Sr. High School in Lake Station, said his sophomores are still struggling with English and math standards, but there are a number of issues involved, including what he called a transient population. Lake Station schools have seen an influx of new students from nearby towns, particularly from Illinois, he said.

However, Bush said students in English as a second language courses made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in all categories which he said is "really outstanding."

This is the last year the ISTEP exam will be administered to students in grades three through 10 in the fall. The ISTEP exam is being moved to the spring, so students will take the test twice this year.

The written problem-solving portions of the test will be given in March, followed by multiple choice portions in April.

Bush said he is cautiously optimistic that switching the test to the spring means that teachers will have sufficient time to address the problems and improve the skills of students in English and algebra. He also said the high school is looking at doing some assessments at the beginning of next school year to determine where students are in math and reading.

Lake Station also is looking at adding a reading teacher at the seventh- and eighth-grade levels to help students.

At Morgan Township Elementary School in the East Porter County School Corporation, 93 percent of fifth graders passed the ISTEP English test and 98 percent passed the math test.

Principal Michelle Friesen-Carper said she was pleased and excited, particularly with the numbers of students achieving a pass-plus grade on math.

Fifty-four percent of fifth graders and 41 percent overall earned the advanced grade.

That was important, Friesen-Carper said, because the school had focused on applied skills -- such as math problem solving -- that students need in life. The breakdown of data from the state would allow the school to target future work, she said.

Still, Friesen-Carper said, it was important for parents to remember that the test was just one snapshot of student achievement. A series of such snapshots was needed to get a full picture, she said.

Times Staff Writers Patrick Guinane, Carmen McCollum and Brian Williams contributed to this report.

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To to Intellogence wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:11 AM:

" "Part of life's lessons are doing things we're told to do, without questioning every decision your boss/customer makes."

I rest my case. Schools are to teach kids not to question other people and to not speak up for themselves. If they do they will get in trouble. Why do you think kids and people are much more lazier these days? They want someone to tell them what to do next. They don't know the definition of: "self starters".

In todays work environment, god forbid you have your own opinion... because you WILL be looked down upon. I'm sorry but I want to know WHY I am doing something. What if it turns out to be an illegal process and I end up being the fall guy because of it? There is no reason why I should not be able to get my questions answered about a job that I am working.

Welcome to the good ole USA.... "

Schools wrote on Dec 11, 2008 11:01 AM:

" I think the whole concept of school is ridiculous. Not everyone learns at the same pace or can learn the same subjects in the same teaching manner. So the children who are bored with class because they don't learn the same way as everyone else, are casted early in life as lazy or a slow learner. Which is not always the case. All the teachers and counselors these days wanting to push add and adhd, not to mention the drugs that go with them. Just because one or two kids in the class aren't like all the others.

There are some who are exceptional artists but can't do math in their head to save their life. Then there are people who are exceptional mathematicians that can try and try to be artists and it just doesn't work out for them.

So please tell me... why is every child expected to be on the same level?? Learning at the same rate? All you are doing is causing them to have low self esteems and making them not WANT to learn. Make it fun and interesting for everyone! "

Bull wrote on Dec 11, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I had a 2.8 GPA in class,yet tested in the top 15%.Tests like this don't tell anything.Teachers need to teach and stop sending homework or copyied sheets for kids to do to cover themselves for the school boards. TEACH IN THE CLASSROOM!!!! "

NO ISTEP wrote on Dec 10, 2008 5:07 PM:

" My child consistantly has a 3.75 (SCALE 4) GPA, but tests poorly on ISTEP. You do the math. "

In my opinion wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:14 AM:

" Also, maybe the schools with low test scores should hold a special tutor class after schools like other cities do. That way the ppl who have the education to teach our children can teach them after school. Some kids need extra help. The schools can also offer a bus ride home for these kids staying after for extra help. Like the other person says, it takes a village to raise a child. "

In my opinion wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:12 AM:

" I think it is dumb for the schools to test kids at the beginning of the year what they are expected to learn throught the year. HELLO! They haven't learned that yet! Maybe with the tests being administered toward the end of the year they will have better scores. Also, they need to keep these kids in school. Stop sending them home early because the weather is too hot & the school has no air condition. They need to learn! Invest in central air! "

Joe wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:18 PM:

" Homework is an extension of what was taught in the clasroom, or at least needs to be. On days when the students get everything done the amount is homework is limited. However, too many students waste time and must be assigned the work that could have been done during the school day. Then they go home and whine about too much work, the parents get upset and blame the teacher not knowing the circumstances.
Pretty much damned if you do and damned if you don't - angry students and parents are just part of the job.

I do know many of my students spend a whole lot of time playing video games, watching TV, mindlessly listening to music while thier parents sit idly by and blame the poor schools for their kid's lack of education. "

less homework wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:53 PM:

" I think kids should be taught at school and not expected to do what is a teachers job while they are in school. To much pressure out on kids, To KEEP the schools numbers up. They sit at school for 7 hours learning and being drilled and want them to come home and sit for another 2 doing homework. If teachers were doing their jobs at school there should not be that much homework. Beating them with the books does more harm then good! "

Agreed Joe wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Then perhaps, Joe. we can also get rid of the nintendos, ipods, cellphones, car dvd's and other devices our children are plugged into. You can't teach a BORG.

And then, once we have those plugs out of their ears, perhaps we can awaken their intellectual curiosity - explaining why a class or fact is relevant. Let ehm do hands on experiements, read good literature, etc. "

Joe wrote on Dec 8, 2008 8:54 PM:

" As an experienced teacher I witness first hand the lack of higher order thinking skills that many students have. Much of this is due to the required standardized testing, preparation for the test and subsequent analysis testing brought on by NCLB. All of this takes away from the time that teachers need to provide quality instruction. For me Obama's first test will be to get rid of NCLB requirements that interfere with the teaching/learning process. "

hmm ill take it wrote on Dec 8, 2008 3:01 PM:

" i think that parents of the students should take this test if it is so important... maybe we will find out after 30 years that we can't function in society either... i'd love to see it and how it pertains to life in this day and age.. they all can't be stupid,, can they? "

I love it... wrote on Dec 8, 2008 10:54 AM:

" People complain about a new high school, but they will build a 60 million dollar golf course! "

I hate to say this but... wrote on Dec 8, 2008 10:48 AM:

" "It takes a village to raise a child." Parents, teachers and the child are all responsible for education. It's even up to the citizens to pay for it. "

Whatever happend to... wrote on Dec 8, 2008 10:47 AM:

" teaching instead of testing! "

Parent who has been and is still there wrote on Dec 7, 2008 1:49 PM:

" I would just like to say that I'm the parent of a 20 year old, who attended school EVERY day and was diagnosed with a learning disability as well, only to not get his diploma due to this STUPID required test. I don't know what this test has to do with one's ability to function in todays society. He is currently trying to get an exemption after not being able to pass this thing yet. It's a waste of time and taxpayers money to even keep this practice going. I say that we should move on in society and bury this thing in a deep hole.... "

Involved Parent wrote on Dec 7, 2008 7:04 AM:

" The ISTEP tests are nothing but a money
making racket. The State of Indiana spends
millions of dollars for a test to set up
school children & districts for failure.
The money spent could be placed in the
classroom for teachers. Now, all Special
Needs children are required to test, children with I.Q.'s at 55. But, these children receive a "Certificate of
Completion" upon graduation and not a diploma. How fair is this?
To: I have the Solution: You want to
drive the bus, but are oblivious to what direction your taking it.
Good Luck Sarah, I hope all your dreams come true. "

Not a good test taker. wrote on Dec 7, 2008 2:12 AM:

" I agree with white hen as well. I have taken ISTEP since first grade, and I recently took my GQE test this year. I am a terrible test taker, and I'm not so good at being put on the spot. Although, I pass, it's not good enough for the schools. I may not pass with flying colors like the other students, but I do pass. Last year, my freshman year, I did not pass with what they wanted me too and they tried to put me into remediation classes. My parents and I did not appreciate this, because I was passing Math and English with A's & B's. So, I agree these tests do not really prove anything. "

To Honor Roller cant take tests wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:11 PM:

" Inflating her grades??? Nope not at all. She earns her grades.

I didn't say anywhere that she CAN'T pass the ISTEPS. She does pass with such high scores that is why she is in the GT program. She just gets herself worked up.

My point is not ALL children who don't pass the ISTEPS are bad students.

Don't be so bitter. I'm sorry that you feel the need to put down somebody that you don't even know to make yourself feel better.

You must lead a very miserable life being so judgemental. "

Ridiculous wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:07 AM:

" As a parent, I find it incomprehensible that teachers are required to spend weeks prepping the students for standardized tests. These tests do NOT truly show what a student has retained and are also done on SCANTRONS. One slip of the pencil and the rest of your answers are wrong! "

To Intellegence wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Did you ask your teachers why 'intelligence' is spelled with an 'I'? Part of life's lessons are doing things we're told to do, without questioning every decision your boss/customer makes. If I have to explain every decision I make to some snotty kid, he/she won't have a job very long. "

To Puffy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Not all teachers work for the money. Most teachers I know chose that profession because they care about teaching children. Don't get me wrong, there are bad teachers. There are just as many committed, good teachers. "

to Intellegence wrote on Dec 4, 2008 5:48 PM:

" wow. . . first off, quit SCREAMING in your post. . I had to reread most of the short sentences you have pieced together just to understand your post. . . Something tells me you may have a disability with spelling. . . we won't even attempt grammar.

The problem with having 180 days of class time and 70 standards to meet is that teachers are not just responsible for presenting the curriculum, they are also expected to substitute for uninvolved parents and act a social workers in the schools. Not to mention all of the PL-221 days. . some just DAYS after a FOUR DAY holiday!! grrrrr "

Intellegence wrote on Dec 4, 2008 4:57 PM:

" The worst part about education is this. YOUR ALWAYS TOLD THIS IS HOW IT IS AND THATS THE ITS DONE. ""PROBLEM"" THEY NEVER TELL YOU WHY!!!!! KIDS WOULD BE SMARTER IF THEY WERE TOLD WHY THEY ARE LEARNING THE THINGS THEY LEARN NOT JUST SIMPLY THIS IS HOW IT IS. AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT!! THOUGHT SO. "

Region Teacher wrote on Dec 4, 2008 3:40 PM:

" ISTEP+ is crazy. Thank Bush and NCLB for all of this nonsense. Understand that their are nearly 70 standards per content per grade. I have 180 school days. I have less than 3 days per standard. It's crazy. Kids need hands on learning more than ever, because lecture style (speaking at the middle school level) doesn't engage them. It's hard to be creative when you are having standards shoved down your throat each day. "

JDub wrote on Dec 4, 2008 3:12 PM:

" We could throw a billion dollars at the problem and children will still never learn if they don't want to. The U.S. spends the most educating their students yet we are losing ground consistently to other developing countries like India, China, Mexico, etc. They get HOURS of homework every night and appreciate their chance at an education. In America, we complain our children aren't learning enough and getting "way too stressed out with tests and homework". Then, once they get to a good college where they don't hold your hand along the way, they flunk out. And might I add Americans look pretty stupid compared to international students. "

Honor Roller Cant Take Test wrote on Dec 4, 2008 3:05 PM:

" Hooey! If your kid is on the honor roll but can't pass the ISTEP test, the teachers are inflating the grades. Do you want a doctor who couldn't pass tests? Standardized tests are the best, most objective way to know whether someone has learned something or not. If they don't pass, they haven't learned what they were supposed to despite getting all A's in their classes where teachers shamelessly grade on a curve so students will like them and so they won't get fired. Standards should be high. If students can't meet them, they should flunk the old-fashioned way and re-take the class.

This country is getting farther behind the rest of the world and poor teaching and teacher unions will be our undoing. "

Not necessarily lazy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:48 PM:

" Tests are created to verify the memorization of facts and formulas, not demonstrate applicable knowledge of a subject.

Just because a student aces an ISTEP doesn't mean that student will retain or be able to constructively apply those facts and figures in the next school year. "

mom wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:46 PM:

" there is a lime window to take the ISTEP that the state legistature allows and sets and the STATE not the schools wouldn't let that window be changed. the testing also is used for funding. go to you kids pto meetings and LISTEN to the principal. "

Ashley Johnson wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:45 PM:

" To wet hen, I couldn't agree with you more. These ISTEPS every year are ridiculous and a waste of money and trees. Not all students are good test takers.

I think schools need to teach students how to take tests and how to study for REAL tests in the future. "

Don wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:45 PM:

" Sarah,I am glad that you are taking advantage of the program and I wish you many successes. With hard work and determination you could be anything you wish to be, but please do not become a hater! "

Puffy wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Dumb teachers equal dumb students. A smart teacher wouldn't work for $30k a year. "

RE Ridiculous wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:06 PM:

" I am in total agreement with your comment. We have to remember that our kids were scheduled to take the ISTEP at the same time as the flood. Our children were stressed just as much as the parents. Some even didnt make it to school to even take the test. Some districts applied for extensions on the ISTEP and were denied. What were we to do? "

University Grad wrote on Dec 4, 2008 2:00 PM:

" I have friends who are going to other countries to take advanced courses. High school children in more affluent cities are flocking to different countries for the cultural experience and education, which is cheaper. Look at Australia, Asia, China, Japan, Canada. We have to import our scientists, and medical technicians from other countries. Shame on us! "

Tired of Tests wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:43 PM:

" I am tired of all of the emphasis on tests! Worksheets and tests have replaced hands-on learning. Walk through a school's hallways and it looks like we're preparing everyone to be business administration majors. (By the way, I'm talking about kids in early elementary grades.) So much for all of the other ways in which children can learn. Also, Suellen Reed wants 100% to pass ISTEP. There are special education students that may never pass--through no fault of their own, of course. How fair is that? "

Wet Hen again wrote on Dec 4, 2008 1:16 PM:

" The only test I had to take to get employment was to show I could print my name clearly so the employer could read it; and remember my SS number.
I didn't even have to take a test to get into a state college.
Times sure have changed. "

Ridiculous wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:54 PM:

" In my kids' school system,they are constantly being tested, ISTEPS, Terra Novas, etc, etc. Floods wiped out towns throughout NWI and the schools were concerned about ISTEPS when they returned? WHO CARES! These kids didn't have homes (and still don't have homes to return to) "

Retired Teacher wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:31 PM:

" By the time I retired I was hearing from TOO MANY students, "My folks said as long as I pass, not to worry about grades," and, "My mom said you should teach at school and stop telling us to work at home." And so many transient students far behind the rest of the class. Frustrating and depressing! I talked my kids out of teaching! "

re I agree with Wet Hen wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Most jobs require you to take a test just to even be considered for employment. "

What building a new foot ball field wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Highlands new 700k football field isn't helping their istep score?? Well it sure isnt helping them win any either. Way to go..money well spent!! "

eh wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:42 AM:

" The HYPE surrounding the taking of the ISTEP tests are ridiculous. I have a 1st and 4th grader at Brummitt Elementary in Chesterton. I cannot tell you how I seethe at the memo's coming home with reminders to "eat a good breakfast; get enough sleep; wear comfortable clothes",yada yada, the week before the ISTEP's are administered. Guess what?? We do these things and more EVERY WEEK regardless of testing week or not. uggghh!!! "

EDUCATION FIRST wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:40 AM:

" PEOPLE.... DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE SCHOOLS ARE SPENDING ALL KINDS OF MONEY ON YOUR KIDS EDUCATION.. OR HAVENT YOU NOTICED ALL THE NEW FIELD HOUSES!!!! WE MUST HAVE OUR PRIORITIES!!!! "

I agree with Wet Hen wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:13 AM:

" My daughter has consistently been on the principals honor roll- BUT freezes when it comes to tests!

I think these tests put undue pressure on kids and they DO NOT have anything to do with what type of student a kid is. "

Blame wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:10 AM:

" You can blame the schools all you want, but I think what these test scores show is that we have that many lazy or ignorant parents that don't know how to discipline their children. Maybe if we had more families that cared our test scores would be better. Then again anyone with an education wouldn't be living here anyway! "

Wet Hen wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:03 AM:

" Are my tax dollars better put to use turning out students or test takers.
I vote for students and would eliminate a yearly ISTEP. Maybe 3rd, 7th, and 10th grades, if at all. "

Sarah wrote on Dec 4, 2008 11:02 AM:

" I don't work in the mayor's office. I'm a college student who receives the Hammond College Bound scholarship. I am not a fan of the mayor either way but I am grateful for a program that helps me pay for school. "

Wait.... wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:55 AM:

" I have a better plan. Maybe wonderful Mitch can sell or lease our education. "

Oh Sarah wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:39 AM:

" A very quick response. Sounds like you work in the mayor's office... "

Sarah wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:30 AM:

" You have to have a B average in high school to get the Hammond College Bound scholarship and maintain a C average in college. I know you hate the mayor, but you could at least inform yourself before you bash him. "

I have the Solution wrote on Dec 4, 2008 10:14 AM:

" Obviously, new schools are needed everywhere. Ask the Hammond School Board, that's their solution, throw more money at it. Remember, if a kid can maintain a D average, the mayor will send them to college, if he can find one with low enough qualifications. "

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