This is a very interesting article on an unintended side-effect that occurs because of the way AYP is measured. I have noticed, looking at our NWEA MAP scores, this trend with our students. Our proficiency based on the NWEA/Indiana Standard ISTEP alignment is very good, however when you look at the graphs that show proficient/non-proficient verses growth, the kids that are above average aren't growing. The over-all growth rate for all our students that take this test is at 45%, which under a growth-based AYP would be a major problem.
I think maybe those that wrote this law assumed that the higher performing students would be intrinsically motivated to do well, which, many times, is definitely not the case. They do the minimum to get by and pass their tests and that is all. They have no reason to improve their scores, since all that is needed is a passing cut score.
No comments:
Post a Comment