Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Top lawmaker calls for elimination of ISTEP

Posted at 7:13 PM, Feb 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-18 19:13:46-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- Is the ISTEP about to disappear from your child's classroom? 

Senate President David Long says it is time to get rid of the test. He says the Senate will move as quickly as possible to find a replacement. 

State lawmakers are looking at creating a panel to study alternatives. Long says the group will look for another standardized test that is simpler, easier and fairer. 

He says the new test should be one the state can get results from quickly, and one that shows student growth. He says the group -- which has not been formed yet -- should include State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz. 

PREVIOUS | WATCH: Indiana schools reviewing ISTEP scores ahead of their public release |ISTEP + scores show expected drop from last year's results | Changes in ISTEP analysis raise questions | School leaders frustrated with ISTEP delays | Lawmakers consider mounting concerns over ISTEP and standardized testing

Under a legislative proposal, the panel will be directed to meet this summer and make recommendations to the General Assembly and Gov. Pence by Nov. 1.

Members will take testing time, costs, transparency and other factors into account.  

"We're going to get rid of it, okay? It's just, we need to move onto a different kind of a test. I think the brand is damaged in people's eyes right now. We definitely need a simpler test," Long said. 

The idea of creating a panel to review the ISTEP and alternatives is subject to legislative approval, but is expected to garner the support needed. 

----

Download the new and improved RTV6 app to get the latest news on the go and receive alerts to your phone

Sign up to have the latest news headlines delivered straight to your email inbox