ISTEP changes need to happen

To the editor:

Over the past year, there have been many issues with the ISTEP test for schools, teachers and our students.

The problems began in late January when the Indiana Department of Education announced the testing time for the 2015 ISTEP would more than double from previous years. This increased testing time was news to parents, educators and legislators alike. To help resolve this issue, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that shortened the test by more than three hours for every student.

The next issue arose when the scores were scheduled to be released, which were delayed because the scoring software used by ISTEP vendor CTB/McGraw-Hill wrongly counted some students' correct answers as incorrect. Recently, another allegation of incorrect scoring by CTB/McGraw-Hill came to light when multiple test scorers anonymously told the media about a different software glitch. At this point in time, no one can say how long it will take to verify the accuracy of students' ISTEP scores.

These problems are unacceptable, and it's in the best interest of our students to make improvements to statewide testing as soon as possible.

I am in favor of dropping the ISTEP test completely and moving to an off-the-shelf exam such as the exam created by the Northwest Evaluation Association.

Switching to an off-the-shelf exam would allow for comparisons of student performance nationally, not just among Hoosier students. This type of exam would also cost the state less than having an Indiana-specific test created to fit our standards.

Last session, I supported a bill in the General Assembly that would have required Indiana to switch to a new test, but the bill never passed the House of Representatives to become law.

Changes have to be made to the current testing system for our students and educators. In the upcoming session, I will work with my fellow legislators to find solutions to these problems and ensure Hoosier students continue to receive a quality education.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact my office by email at Senator.Ford@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.

State Sen. Jon Ford -- (R-Terre Haute)