He questions if the students' performance deteriorates with time, if
the elementary teachers are superior to those at the secondary level,
if the tests are too hard at the secondary level, or if they are too
easy at the elementary level. His conclusion is that it must be that
the tests are too easy at the elementary level. I would like to
challenge this conclusion. Years ago, schools throughout Vermont also
administered a nationally normed assessment called the SAT-9. This
assessment was administered for a number of years alongside the state's
standards based assessment.
This data indicated that in fact the Vermont Standards are "pegged
high" and are very challenging. In addition, schools throughout The
Valley have looked at NECAP data over time and followed "cadre groups"
over the course of three years. This data indicates consistent
performance. The performance of our elementary schools can and should
be celebrated. Our elementary schools are vibrant and exciting places
to learn. The answer to our performance questions at the secondary
level will not be found by demeaning our success at the elementary
level.
While Marc is "right on" in his call for understanding why our
11th-grade NECAP scores are not where they need to be, I do not see
evidence to support his conclusions. It is far more likely that the
poor performance of 11th-graders reflects the fact that they are not
invested in the results. NECAPs do not impact on college admissions;
they do not affect GPA, and they have no bearing on graduation. Perhaps
the drop in scores at the secondary level is a reflection of students
realizing that the assessment lacks relevance to their lives. Let's
keep asking the questions until we have the answers that will move us
all forward.
Richard Schattman, Ed.D.
(Schattman is currently the principal of the Waitsfield Elementary School)
{loadnavigation}
