All the kids just got smarter!

All the kids, just got smarter

 

Everyone seems to agree that test scores need to move upward.   The big question is exactly how do we do that.

Well several states have found a guaranteed way to improve test scores.  Oklahoma and Wisconsin have just changed the “cut point”.   So, by lowering the point score needed to be ranked basic, proficient or advanced, the same actual score, gives students a much better rating.  Truly simple.  This approach gives parents the impression that the schools and their child are improving; when, in fact, nothing has changed at all. Easiest approach of all.

Another approach is to reduce graduation requirements and inflate grades by banning failing grades and/or lowering the “fail” grade to 50% instead of the standard 60%.   Both Washington state and North Carolina have used this approach to show that grades are improving since the pandemic.

The approach to the grading crisis seems to be to lower expectations down to where the kids are rather than work with the students to meet the higher standard.

Each state controls its own definition of proficiency and how students can achieve grade level performance.  States aim for grade level proficiency based on their own standards. There is no gold standard in the sky of what equals 3^rd grade reading level.   Consequently, what is 3^rd grade in one state might be 2^nd or 4the in another state.  By moving bar on cut scores, states can automatically improve their proficiency scores.    The alternative approach is to redesign the test to make it easier so kids will do better.  Then tout how much better students are doing.  New York won’t admit to lowering standards.   Instead, they say they are adjusting the tests to what you would expect kids to learn today.  Illinois is the next state to lower the cut off scores so that more students score in the proficient range.

Dr. Cathy Wright, the new superintendent in Maryland, says that approach is all wrong.  She firmly believes that higher standards need to be set and teachers need to be trained to meet those standards.  She has set a goal of a 5% improvement rate each year for the next three years. To achieve that goal, more students will be retained in 3^rd grade if they are not at grade level.

Dr. Wright’s approach is not as sure fire as the other states, but if it works, the kids might just not only be more proficient but even learn more.