Posted on 11/28/2001 4:26:35 AM PST by Lizavetta
Required reading scores lowered
State reduces the score needed for fourth-graders to pass reading guarantee
Under its education package approved earlier this year, the state has lowered the score needed by fourth-graders to pass a reading test that could force them to repeat the grade level.
The ``fourth-grade reading guarantee'' kicks in this year and mandates that any student scoring at least on a ``basic'' reading level -- a score of 198 to 216 of a possible 270 points -- would then pass the mandate.
The reading guarantee has been in the works for the past five years and until September the ``basic'' scoring level did not exist. The original plan was for students to score on at least a ``proficient'' level -- 217 to 249 -- to meet the requirement. Failing to pass would require retention, unless a teacher and principal agree the student can handle fifth-grade class work and, therefore, promote the student despite a poor score.
The change to the reading guarantee minimum score came after lawmakers realized that making students reach the ``proficient'' level would result in up to half of all public school fourth-graders' being retained an extra year.
Since then, lawmakers have scrambled to set a lower passing level for reading. They've done that with the ``basic'' level. And they've added the testing session in October to give the fourth-graders three chances to achieve the reading requirement. Students can take the exam again in March and July.
But none of these decisions came quickly. This school year had started and district administrators were still waiting to hear how to determine if their students passed the guarantee. School officials were told in September of the ``basic'' level. The reading exam, part of the Ohio Proficiency Test, was given in October.
District report cards -- which categorize school districts based largely on their test scores -- will still recognize as passing only those students scoring on at least a ``proficient'' level.
It was reported earlier this week that 69 percent of Akron's fourth-graders would have failed the guarantee based on results from the October offering of the state reading exam. That figure actually is the percentage of students not proficient in reading.
Actually, 74 percent of Akron's fourth-graders scored above the ``basic'' scoring level and, therefore, have met the guarantee. However, if the state report cards were compiled now, based on that test, Akron's would show that 69 percent of fourth-graders are not reading proficiently.
This disparity is evident in other districts as well. So, while most fourth-graders can meet the state guarantee that they can read, most are not considered by the state to be proficient readers.
Many educators have complained that it is unfair to test fourth-graders in October, barely into their fourth-grade year. But Akron school officials see a positive in offering the test so early. ``We have specific information on the area of strengths and weaknesses that we can focus instruction on,'' said Ellen Goggins, Akron schools director of evaluation, testing and research.
She suggested the early test results help teachers determine ``individual student needs'' and offer focused help over the course of the school year.
Reginald Fields can be reached at 330-996-3743 or rfields@thebeaconjournal.com
More brilliance from the government.
Better to pass them on and not fracture their delicate self-image than actually making sure they know how to read. Being an illiterate adult is much better for one's ego than having stayed back a year in fourth grade.
AKA 'The Belligerent Parent' clause.
Us is good educators. Us is the NEA.
Reply # 16 in the message thread Don't Profile The Kids Or The Educational Levels Of Their Parents [Free Republic] and
Reply # 44 in the message thread TEACHERS UNION THUGS HAVE TO GIVE BACK MONEY [Free Republic]
95% of children Can read by the time they are in second grade! It is the parent that ignores this, lets them spend hours in front of the tube or with computer games. Since the teachers are unable and unwilling to tackle this problem, it is up to the parent or the Complete Dumbing Down of America will be complete.
It is unconscionable that this is happening in America. Please e-mail the Akron Beacon Journal here: abjfeedback@realcities.com
Let them know what the rest of the country thinks about this backward approach to educating their/your children.
Social promotions are also offensive, but parents & politicals continue to demand such as the norm.
In my state, benchmarks & standards continue going up and up. Some are attainable, others just for show; alot depends on the student's social background, homelife, and many factors out of control of the school system. Inner-city vs suburbs ect.
LV, Actually, this comes from our institutions of "higher" learning. Dumb down the tests so people won't know how badly "we" teach. They did the same thing with SAT scores in order for more kids to make it into college. Now, the largest number of offerings in college courses are for "remedial learning". Things the kids should have known upon entering college. What passes for education today is EVIL!!! And, the Dumbing Down IS deliberate. Peace and love, George.
I don't think they is.
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