First Results Of ILEARN Exam Will Soon Be Released

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STATE HOUSE–The scores for the first year of the ILEARN test have been calculated, and they are lower than the final year of the ISTEP test. But, schools may not be in trouble for it.

The specific results will be released next week.

ILEARN

“The results will show a decrease compared to the previously administered ISTEP+ test. Since this is the first year of the ILEARN assessment, I will ask Superintendent McCormick to support my request that the General Assembly take action to hold schools harmless so the test scores do not have an adverse impact on teacher evaluations and schools’ letter grades for the 2018-19 school year,” said Gov. Holcomb, in a prepared statement.

Holcomb said he believes it will help ease the transition to ILEARN, which is a student assessment that allows Indiana to comply with federal ESSA requirements.

Indiana Gov Eric Holcomb

“I appreciate the dedicated work of Hoosier educators. Bringing consistency and continuity to how we measure student progress and preparing students for post-secondary success is a shared and important goal,” said the governor.

State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), said he believes the drop in scores follows an historical pattern.

State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)

“In 2019 Indiana transitioned from ISTEP to ILEARN, which resulted in lower scores across our state. This is certainly not reflective of the hardworking school staff or the efforts of students in the learning process,” he said. “In the coming months, we will look to provide relief from the effects of the new ILEARN assessment for school districts for one year so schools, teachers and students can adjust to the new exam.”

State ReP Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), said he believes the governor’s decision will help teachers and students make the transition, and will help the state make adjustments to Indiana’s accountability system.

State Re. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis)

“We knew there would be an adjustment period as we transitioned from ISTEP to ILEARN. While these results are not the ones we had hoped for, the value of Hoosier students and teachers is not defined by test scores, but by the learning being accomplished in the classroom. We are taking a hard look at our overall state accountability system. Our priority continues to be preparing students for life after high school, whether they enter the workforce immediately or continue their education.”

 

 

 

Photo by Ben Mullins on Unsplash