So, the ODE released the K-3 Literacy Rating as well as graduation rates, corresponding scores and some other data. By all counts, there are serious issues with the numbers. In some cases they don't even make mathematical sense. Districts all over the state have been hazing the Department of Education over their release of the information before it clarified the numerous formal appeals and corrections.
The ODE's response is predictably absurd, according to an article in the Elyria Chronicle Telegram,
“According to law, we are required to release the report card,” said Toby Lichtle, assistant director in the ODE’s Office of Communications and Outreach.
Why yes, Toby, the law does require that. Do you know what else the law requires, Toby? The law requires that the state provide equal educational opportunities for its children. It requires the effective and accurate rating of charter schools and sponsors using ALL relevant scores. It also requires an investigation where a public official may have defrauded the public. The law requires that schools be governed by locally elected boards of education. As a matter of fact, the Ohio constitution also requires an equitable funding system for public schools. In short, Toby, the ODE and the Ohio legislature haven't seemed very interested in adhering to the finer points of the law.
Clearly the report cards are far more important than these other issues in that they can be used in the ongoing process of discrediting, defunding, and destroying public education.
Fortunately, many of us in the public schools aren't simply going to accept questionable ratings from an invalid assessment system that diminishes the work we put in on a daily basis. My boss, Elyria Superintendent Tom Jama weighed in on these things this week in articles in the Chronicle and the Lorain Morning Journal. I'll call these quotes three more reasons that I'm happy to be an Elyria teacher, and public school teacher in general.
"These results are just not an accurate assessment of what is being done,” he said. “We are never going to run away from areas of concern. But I know what our teachers and staff are doing each and every day from central office on down to improve the life of our kids. This information is nothing more than one snapshot that is not giving the whole story.”
“The report card isn’t a true and accurate reflection of the district’s performance,” said Dr. Tom Jama, superintendent of Elyria City Schools. “You can’t use a test that has been decided not to be used again, and use the results of the test to label a district.
“We don’t want to be labeled on a test that included opt outs, negativity. Students who took the tests didn’t take them seriously.”
“As the superintendent, I couldn’t be more proud of the teachers, principals and central office team for what they do each day for kids in this district,” he said. “To have one test or one piece define who we are is absolutely ridiculous. I’m just proud of the entire district. And there’s no doubt in my mind that, that is taking place in all the schools in the county.”
Right on.
Yes! We opted our son out and he is consistently tops in testing...and many others with good scores were in the cafeteria with him so you know the scores are lower. Of course the reason we opted out was the teachers were so afraid he would do poorly they were a nervous wreck. Go back to the way we did the Iowa and California tests (no teacher reprocession) and when their fate isn't in the hands of the one day results the whole thing will get better. The test becomes one of a family of measures. We need standardized tests to INFORM teaching...it's how my niece was identified and treated for dyslexia and how my son was identified for dysgraphia. Improvement statistics are not evaluative statistics.
ReplyDeleteYes! We opted our son out and he is consistently tops in testing...and many others with good scores were in the cafeteria with him so you know the scores are lower. Of course the reason we opted out was the teachers were so afraid he would do poorly they were a nervous wreck. Go back to the way we did the Iowa and California tests (no teacher reprocession) and when their fate isn't in the hands of the one day results the whole thing will get better. The test becomes one of a family of measures. We need standardized tests to INFORM teaching...it's how my niece was identified and treated for dyslexia and how my son was identified for dysgraphia. Improvement statistics are not evaluative statistics.
ReplyDeleteMatt Thank you again for spreading truth! We just needed to throw off the balance a little bit and we were able to with the Opt -Outs and educating the public but most importantly the parents! Perfect pic with you and Dr. J ~ Right On!
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