Comments for School Matters

Comment on Pence on vouchers: strong rhetoric, weak on evidence by inteach

inteach — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:05:08 +0000

The only reliable measure of academic progress is the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The test is given to 4th and 8th graders and includes math, science, and reading.

Between 2007-2011 the percentage of tested students scoring at or above basic either fell slightly or stayed the same.

The ISTEP is not an accurate “snapshot” of student achievement. The test is somewhat predictable, and teachers can prepare and practice for the test. Test prep is rampant.

There is no way to prepare for the NAEP tests. The test is also well-designed and relatively unbiased.

By the way, the way Indiana graded ISTEP tests changed in 2011 when they began to exclude undetermined scores (unfinished tests). This alone improves passing rates by at least 2%.

There is absolutely no evidence vouchers (or any of the recent “reform efforts) have improved student achievement.

And is anyone scared of Pence’s tendency to embrace a Christian theocracy?

Comment on Pence on vouchers: strong rhetoric, weak on evidence by Lesley @ TheStatehouseFile.com

Lesley @ TheStatehouseFile.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:15:52 +0000

Thanks for the kind words Steve!

Comment on Pence on vouchers: strong rhetoric, weak on evidence by Jill Williams

Jill Williams — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:14:46 +0000

Great post, Steve!

Comment on Referendum results show caution by Spradlin, Terry E.

Spradlin, Terry E. — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:44:18 +0000

Steve,

Good blog column. There was one small error that I want to bring to your attention. Noblesville did indeed lose a construction referendum in 2009, but has passed three referenda since.

Let’s grab coffee again soon!

Best,

Terry

Comment on Bill signing highlights state support for sectarian schools by inteach

inteach — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:57:25 +0000

Look.

In the distance.

Is that Jesus on a dinosaur?

Comment on Bill signing highlights state support for sectarian schools by Don Guerrettaz

Don Guerrettaz — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:44:12 +0000

Go Pence!! The public schools are failing the majority of students, so let’s give the private schools all the support we can. However, watch out for the Muslim schools, whose book the Koran has 50 Scriptures in support of killing off everyone outside of their faith.

Comment on Core confusion by akumawraith

akumawraith — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:21:59 +0000

I have wondered for a while why we use the Common Core standards. The students aren’t benefiting from them and the teachers (dont get me wrong i support teachers) have a record that is not in their favor. Schools fail their test parameters, Students have lowered standards than other countries, and The education system keeps dumbing down the process.

I am a supporter of the Japanese school structure. Year long education with fewer long holidays. Students would be able to retain more with this school type.

The reason behind my opinion is that our current school system is set up that what is taught in the spring semester is recovered in the fall semester so that students can “catch up” after the long summer holiday. More focus is put on the mathematics and English skills than any other subject yet I have seen High school graduates here in Fort Wayne that have graduated and struggle to read or even do the simplest maths. How do we graduate students with these low abilities in the “Common Core” standards?

It should be a no brainer that the system is broken. Whether one wants to blame the schools, the teachers, the parents, or the governments its a simple truth. The Common Core system doesn’t work with our system of education. Students have low grasp of Arts, Geography, Sciences and physical fitness is an option in many schools.

No fail systems are a joke at best. If the students don’t have a strong sense of accomplishment and cannot deal with failure because they were babied in the school system with this nonsensical no fail system then isn’t it that all the educators are doing is hurting the child in the long run? People fail its a part of life, if the students are passed without the ability to read then the Common Core system failed, the teachers failed, and the education system failed.

Comment on Core confusion by stevehinnefeld

stevehinnefeld — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:19:52 +0000

I assume the same curriculum will be in place in the fall, but it does feel confusing, doesn’t it? That’s probably something to check with your local school officials.

Comment on Core confusion by Heather Scholl

Heather Scholl — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:42:16 +0000

What does this mean for curriculum for Indiana elementary schools that have already rolled out Common Core and did the Common Core ISTEP testing? Will the same curriculum be in place in the fall?

Comment on What’s the hurry on Indiana voucher vote? by stevehinnefeld

stevehinnefeld — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:38:01 +0000

It appears the version of HB 1003 being considered tonight now provides vouchers for students who live in the attendance areas of F schools, but not D schools. It’s still a bad bill – just not quite as bad as before. The House approved it, 55-44. Next up is the Senate, where chances could be better of stopping the expansion.