Senate passes bill calling for ISTEP study panel
A measure passed on a 38-10 vote would create a 22-member panel to "study alternatives to the ISTEP" and "make recommendations for replacing" the test.
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Democratic Party calls for firing over altered ISTEP report
The chairman of Indiana's Democratic Party called Thursday for the firing of a State Board of Education official who altered a report that detailed a so-called independent investigation into the ISTEP exam.
Pence expresses ‘confidence’ in ISTEP report despite alterations
A review of documents showed a top education official made significant alterations to a report that detailed a so-called independent investigation into the unpopular standardized ISTEP+ exam for students.
Indiana official had say in independent report on tests
A report summarizing what was billed as an independent investigation into Indiana's new, unpopular standardized student exam includes edits and suggested changes by a state administrator hired by Gov. Mike Pence's State Board of Education.
Indiana school district grades change little with reprieve
More than three-quarters of Indiana's school districts are receiving A or B grades under the state's rating system.
House moves bill to require explanation for school aid
House Bill 1330, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, would require the Indiana Department of Education to make available to schools the formula it uses to calculate federal poverty aid. Four other education bills advanced Monday.
Challenging Ritz, McCormick cites management problems
Jennifer McCormick introduced herself and her run for state superintendent Thursday by criticizing Glenda Ritz’s management of the Indiana Department of Education and calling for a debate that gets beyond politics.
Indiana schools’ A-F grades largely unchanged due to reprieve
When the state released grades for the 2014-15 school year on Tuesday, it seemed clear that many schools benefited from a “hold harmless” bill that Gov. Mike Pence signed into law Thursday.
Schools face technical glitches during ISTEP test run
Some Indiana school officials say students ran into frozen screens and error messages Wednesday during a test run of the online ISTEP exam.
Ritz objects to ISTEP re-score measure proposed by GOP
Whether the 2015 ISTEP should be re-scored due to well-documented problems with the roll-out and administration of the exam is once again pitting GOP leaders in the Legislature against Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz.
UPDATE: State education panel leader wants to re-score ISTEP
Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, said he wants to hire a contractor to re-score the 2015 ISTEP test, which he calls a “disaster.” Meanwhile, the House education committee approved a measure sparing teachers from having their performance pay reduced as a result of the scores.
Lower ISTEP scores released after months-long delay
Following ongoing controversy over tougher Indiana student assessments, the Indiana Department of Education on Wednesday released long-awaited statewide and local 2015 ISTEP scores.
Pence signs on to Ritz approach to ‘pause’ sanctions
Democrats and Republicans are backing a proposal expected to be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. The bill proposes schools may not receive a lower grade for 2015 than they received in 2014.
Report: ‘No evidence’ that ISTEP software glitch hurt scores
Investigators found no evidence that students were given incorrect lower scores on this spring’s high-stakes ISTEP exam, according to state officials.
Charter star Tindley in cash crunch as CEO’s expenses questioned
The much-lauded Tindley Accelerated Schools has missed its enrollment targets this year, forcing it to eliminate positions and seek loans.
Lawmakers to consider ISTEP-related accountability
At issue this year is what to do about test-score-based school accountability measures now that the state is expecting much lower scores.
New study finds no teacher shortage in Indiana
The study, released Wednesday by Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research, found there was actually an excess supply of teachers in the state.
Top Indiana school issues headed for Statehouse debates
State leaders will tackle questions about a possible teacher shortage and work on politically-charged questions about ISTEP.
Board delays vote on setting ISTEP passing rate
State Board of Education spokesman Marc Lotter blamed that delay on a Department of Education report provided Tuesday night raising questions about potential differences in difficulty between the online and paper versions of the test.
Recommendation would slash ISTEP passing rates
The State Board of Education is poised to vote on a recommendation from educator panels that would reduce ISTEP passing rates about 16 percentage points in English and 24 percentage points in math, compared with 2014.