Some lawmakers believe assessing student achievement in more ways than proficiency testing could significantly improve student learning and performance in the long term.
Rep. Kathy Brynaert (DFL-Mankato) sponsors HF1441, which would establish, over the next four years, three supplemental indicators of student achievement and growth besides the Adequate Yearly Progress measure required by federal law. She said the proposal complements the current assessment model.
Current annual standards-based testing shows how this year’s third graders perform compared with last year’s third graders. The idea is to promote school accountability for the results.
The bill would add “growth” and “value-added growth” assessments to measure a student’s performance from one year to the next. Proponents say these indicators could help schools identify students who aren’t making reasonable gains in proficiency and those who are growing at higher rates.
A second indicator of student success is course-taking patterns. Research suggests that taking rigorous courses, especially in math, is a better indicator of college preparedness than grade point average, test scores or class rank, according to Kent Pekel, executive director of the University of Minnesota’s College Readiness Consortium.
“In fact, every step you take beyond algebra II in the high school math curricula doubles your chance of earning a B.A.,” Pekel said.
The bill would also authorize the education commissioner to convene a group to identify indicators of student engagement, such as attendance, home support for learning and participation in activities beyond school.
University of Minnesota research has found that addressing student engagement early correlates with truancy prevention, diminished dropout rates and increased persistence, according to Jenni Norlin-Weaver, Edina Public Schools’ director of teaching and learning.
The House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight committee laid the bill over March 17 for possible omnibus bill inclusion. Its companion SF1406, sponsored by Sen. Sandy Rummel (DFL-White Bear Lake), awaits action by the Senate Education Committee.
The year without a K-12 law
School funding is flat, no reforms enacted
(view full story)
Published 6/1/2010
House K-12 omnibus bill fast-tracked
Senate slow to respond with companion legislation
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2010
K-12 education omnibus bill stalls
Teacher licensure proposals in contention
(view full story)
Published 5/6/2010
K-12 education bill moves forward
Measures would activate reforms, stabilize school funding
(view full story)
Published 4/29/2010
Resuscitating Race to the Top bid
New bid could hinge on proposals to boost teacher effectiveness
(view full story)
Published 4/22/2010
Raiders of the lost fund
Slew of reforms could boost Permanent School Fund income
(view full story)
Published 3/25/2010
Schools shore up state’s checkbook
Obscure law forces drawdown of school reserves before state can borrow
(view full story)
Published 2/25/2010
At Issue: No shifts, no cuts
Education funding in a holding pattern
(view full story)
Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: E-12 education bill that might have been
Funding held steady with no shifts proposed, but no Minnesota Miracle
(view full story)
Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Investing in quality care for kids
Lawmakers hope for long-term benefits of early investment
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Building a better formula
Omnibus K-12 education finance bill floor debate highlights obstacles
(view full story)
Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Whose values are they anyway?
Lawmaker carries on family legacy with sex education bill
(view full story)
Published 4/17/2009
First Reading: One school doesn’t fit all
Efforts put forward to tailor charter school law
(view full story)
Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Hopeful education goals in a dismal year
Omnibus bill addresses changing needs and future demands
(view full story)
Published 4/3/2009
At Issue: Getting kids to move
Bill aims to ensure ‘No child left on their behind’
(view full story)
Published 2/20/2009
First Reading: Accountability funding for all
A ‘New Minnesota Miracle’ requires a leap of faith
(view full story)
Published 2/13/2009
At Issue: Q Comp found wanting
Performance measure has perks, but is it affordable?
(view full story)
Published 2/6/2009
At Issue: Reforming education, saving money
Bipartisan support shown for mandate reduction and shared services
(view full story)
Published 1/23/2009
Feature: Passing the torch of democracy
Youth immerse themselves in lingo and actions of lawmaking
(view full story)
Published 1/16/2009