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Lawmaker calling for re-score of ISTEP exam

Posted at 10:38 PM, Jan 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-07 22:44:37-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- A state lawmaker is calling for last spring's ISTEP scores to be re-scored after a series of problems. 

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisles used works like "unthinkable" and "fiasco" to describe the problems encountered in the first year of the ISTEP+ exam. 

The test has been plagued with delays in scoring, questions on differences in difficulty between online and paper and pencil versions, and criticism on the length. 

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House Speaker Brian Bosma says he agrees with another Republican lawmaker's call to re-score the test, although he thinks it should be done through a contract, not at the legislature. 

"I want to be sure that we have accurate data, so that when we measure growth next year we know that we're measuring against solid initial data. So that's my take on it," Bosma said. 

House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath says he will consider the idea, but needs to hear more about how it will work. 

"The most important thing is that if we don't have to stamp Ds and Fs on everybody, we're going to see if that's possible. And then the second thing is, we've got to make sure nobody's harmed by this stuff," Pelath said. 

A new company is taking over the administration of the test this year. 

Lawmakers are expediting bills to ensure the ISTEP+ scores don't penalize teachers or schools.

They're aiming to have both on the governor's desk by the end of next week. 

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