New ISAT lets kids pass with more wrong answers

[proud2BlibKansan]

Illinois has been cutting the number of points required to pass annual achievement exams, allowing children to flub more questions but still be deemed "proficient."

Back in 2006, it took 36 of 56 points — about 64 percent — to pass the fifth-grade reading test. Now, it's 31 points, or 55 percent.

The third- and fourth-grade reading tests used to require 61 percent of possible points. This year, it's 54 percent.

Compared with 2006, fewer correct answers are required to pass 11 of 12 Illinois Standards Achievement Tests in reading and math, state data show, raising questions about how much students really have to know.

Meanwhile, passing rates on the exams have risen, assuring parents and the public that schoolchildren are making gains.

more . . . http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-18/news/ct-met-isat-answers-20101018_1_math-tests-new-isat-wrong-answers

[uppityperson]

1. Good, pretty soon they can quit the focus on these tests and actually teach and learn

[Skink]

2. how would they make money then?

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. A+

[uppityperson]

4. Which "they"? The people who are truly educated vs test takers or the schools?

"how would they make money then?"

[Skink]

5. my only wish is that...

after say 4th grade it isns't just Romans..... www1 big freakin gap... Www11..... and ... Cause I came away knowing knothing.

[uppityperson]

6. I wish I'd learned more of history than who fought/conquered whom

as there was a lot more going on than memorizing dates and obscure names.

Education is not just memorizing dates and obscure names to regurgitate to pass tests.

[Skink]

7. I'm not sure we got the whole wiew then either.

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. They are the profiteers

Ravitch calls them the Billionaire Boys Club.

[madrchsod]

9. you missed this one from the tribune-5000 dollars to attend a full year of kindergarten

the school districts in the article are in the collar counties of cook county/chicago. at one time they were top of the heap but now their poverty rate is growing faster than the city of chicago.


http://triblocal.com/wilmette-kenilworth/2010/10/19/kindergarten-tuition-user-fees-discussed-by-wilmette-d39/

[AwakeAtLast]

10. I have suspected this of Indiana's ISTEP

The Daniels yes-man Bennett gets to crow about all the "gains" made on the test, but I am not so sure that they are earned.

Good article. :kick:

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. In many other states as well

It was bound to happen.

[GeorgeGist]

11. More teabaggers!