Senator Orie's office contacted me yesterday (5/7) and said that there are certainly financial concerns related to the GCA/KE proposal but they want to make it clear that they are not ONLY going after the cost of the exams to stop them. They are also looking at local rights issues and what is best for our students. They said that there was definitely something lost in the translation in the message that was released which I posted below. Thank you to Senator Orie for clearing that up.
***
After my initial blog post this morning regarding the new Keystone Exams, I found out that I am not the only Director in PA that is questioning the wisdom of these exams and also the apparent re-direction on the part of the PSBA.
I also was made aware of a statement by State Senator Jane Orie. You can view her statement on her website here or read the statement below:
I like that Senator Orie is taking a stand, however, taking a stand because of the financial impact of this decision takes away from the the other reasons why it is wrong to have exit exams. If the economy starts humming along again, this argument is completely taken away.Joint Statement from Senator Orie and Rep. Saylor On Alternative Graduation Tests - aka Keystone Exams 2.0
HARRISBURG – State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) and Representative Stan Saylor (R-94) today issued the following joint statement regarding the Coalition for Effective & Responsible Testing’s alternative to the Department of Education’s high school graduation tests now dubbed the “Keystone Exams.” The Coalition, led by Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), school administrators and local PTAs, called for a new dialogue with the Rendell Administration.
“We appreciate that the coalition has kept the dialogue open concerning the need for these high-stakes exams. However, at a time when our state is facing a $2.6 billion and growing deficit, we believe there is no need for these additional, costly tests. The last thing that we need in this budget is new spending.
“Why are any additional tests necessary? Our goal should be to teach, not test. First, students do not need another test. The Commonwealth needs to strengthen its classroom teaching first – in a coordinated way. We should start with the early grades and then build on that knowledge and experience.
“Secondly, schools already are using Algebra I and II end of course exams as part of the multi-state coalition begun several years ago through Achieve. Before spending anymore, why not see how these exams work?
“Any assessment systems we consider should be used to measure performance of students as they move through the education system and identify solutions for improving student, teacher and school performance prior to graduation. In order to do that, we need to step back and take a look at what is happening and what we need to happen for our children.
“We look forward to working with all interested parties to improve the quality of our student’s education. It is important to note that that this Governor will soon be leaving office and the next administration should not have their hands tied should with new mandates and new costs.”
Contact:
Nate Silcox (Sen. Orie)
(717) 787-6538
Sean L. Yeakle ( Rep. Saylor)
(717) 787-3406
In my mind, the entire principle of statewide mandated graduation tests infringes on the rights given to local school districts in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Any reining in of these rights ought to be seriously and deliberately debated in the legislature with deference given to those districts that have continuously performed well and graduated students exceptionally prepared for the future.
Thanks for reading.
James
