Update from Plymouth public hearings on standards
UPDATE FROM DAN THIELE
Wednesday, February 26, the SBOE heard testimony on the new Indiana draft standards from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Plymouth High School. Representing the Board were Dr. Brad Oliver (stayed whole time), Cari Whicker (stayed whole time), Dr. David Freitas (stayed for first two hours), and Tony Walker (stayed for about an hour in the middle). Staff present were Danielle Shockey, Michele Walker, and Michelle McKeown.
For most of the hearing, there were approximately fifty attendees gathered around tables in a medium-sized room. There were a few more folks up in bleachers on the left as one faced the podium to address the Board members.
Approximately forty people gave testimony, with only one person strongly in favor of the Common Core, and therefore still happy with the new Indiana draft standards. Another person was guardedly optimistic the new standards could be fixed. Around three dozen folks testified against the new Indiana draft standards which are disappointingly similar to Common Core.
I was pleased with the quality of the testimony at this north hearing. There was a nice blend of general criticism and commentary on individual standards. However, there were some extended periods when the activity waned, particularly between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. It would have been nice if the organizers had allowed interested persons to speak for more than three minutes each, but this was not to be.
Keep in mind this third hearing does not end your chance to be heard on these draft standards. The public HEARINGS are concluded. However, the public COMMENT period (for written feedback on the draft standards) will remain open until Wednesday, March 12. Watch for an announcement requesting your specific participation in this public comment period.
Dan Thiele
“No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”
Dan Thiele
“No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”
Are you aware that in May, Indiana students in grades 3-8 will be piloting the CTB CoreLink test?
I have heard that and I am surprised because HB1427 specifically requires them to give IStep until 2015. If this is an additional test to be given alongside IStep, I would like to know the reason for it and what additional funds are being used to administrate the tests. I didn’t realize when Ritz ran for office that she was in favor of children being overtested and robbing the classroom of needed instruction time. Shame on them.
Also, Could you provide me with a link to your info? Thanks
Don’t know if there is any link but all public schools were notified in early February (don’t know about voucher schools). It is a no strings attached practice test and ISTEP will still be given. Try going on the DOE site and doing a search for CoreLink.
You make a good point about funds, would like to know also. My biggest concern is over-testing and making our kids guinea pigs.
From CTB website:
Find out if CoreLink Test Items are Right for Your Students
CoreLink™ Services is a cost-effective, comprehensive solution to help you ease the transition to Common Core State Standards (CCSS). It includes a new item bank that aligns to the Common Core and a wide array of professional development and psychometric services to help you build a bridge from your existing standards to the Common Core.
Psychometric??????
Will be interested to see what else you find out.
Jan