The Indiana Department of Education released the Spring 2019 ILEARN (Learning Evaluation and Readiness Network) testing result on Wednesday. The test was designed to assess the same Indiana Academic standards as ISTEP+, but with a focus of rigorous college and career readiness. But the final results show that there was a lower achievement level across the state in both English/Language Arts and Math.
The final scores have been called disappointing by administrators at the state level and individual school corporations. Almost two out of three students did not pass the critical math and English Language Arts sections of the tests. The testing was all done on computers, even if students were used to using pencil and paper for testing in the past.
The ILEARN test was mandated during the 2017 state legislative session. It was intended to assess standards in English/Language Arts and Math for grades 3-8, Science in grades 4 and 6, high school biology, social studies in grade 5, and U.S .Government in high school.
State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Mccormick issued the following statement, “While the 2019 ILEARN results do not provide a true reflection of the performance of Indiana’s schools, they do once again show us the importance of developing a modernized state legislated accountability system that is fair, accurate, and transparent.”
Scores for all schools taking the test can be found at www.doe.in.gov/accountabiity/find-school-and-corporation-data reports.
Plymouth Schools Superintendent Andy Hartley will be using the data from the latest state testing scores as one piece of the evaluation process, but explained that the staff looks to a number of ways to help students learn. Hartley said, “We have been and will continue analyzing the results in order to best serve our students. I remain most supportive of our teachers, administrators and staff-who care about our students and our community. They are persistent in their efforts every day to do their best so that our students can be their best.”
“Regardless of the scores on this standardized test being required of our students, we will always honor the critical work being done in our schools-work that goes well beyond what any one test will measure. This is especially true as we look to ensure we have a system where all students achieve at high levels and achieve in ways that successfully prepare them for life after high school,” Hartley said.
Hartley indicated that he concurs with the proposed decision not to use the ILEARN scores for giving schools letter grades. He said, “Recently, the Governor and State Superintendent of Education have called upon legislature to enact a hold harmless provision that these results not be a part of the letter grading system of accountability that existed for schools last year. I support their statement.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
