OGT News: Achievement test week is a test for school districts
An article in Tuesday's Elyria Chronicle-Telegram points out the achievement tests given this week to Ohio students in grades three through eight are not "high stakes" like the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT).
Good point. The article notes that students in Ohio's 613 districts are tested on a broad range of topics: reading, math, science, social studies and writing. The same topics found on the OGT. However, there's really nothing in it for the students themselves. Whether or not they score well has no consequences for them. Unlike the OGT, doing poorly on the achievement tests will not keep them from moving on to the next grade or eventually graduating from high school.
However, at the district level, the consequences are much higher. Achievement test scores figure into a building and district's overall report card, indicating how it measures up to the other 612 in the state. A district can score excellent, effective, continuous improvement, academic watch or academic emergency. A poor report card can mean required tutoring and after-school help for students - added financial burdens for cash-strapped public schools.
Since everyone takes the same set of tests, it's a good way to compare apples to apples, the article noted.
The achievement tests replace the old proficiency test system. The OGT replaced the ninth grade proficiency test. Passing it is required for graduation, beginning this spring.
Although the tests change faces, many of the problems remain the same. Elyria school moved from academic emergency to effective rating over a nine-year period. But most urban schools still struggle. At the same time, suburban schools like Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville tend to always score pretty well.
Good point. The article notes that students in Ohio's 613 districts are tested on a broad range of topics: reading, math, science, social studies and writing. The same topics found on the OGT. However, there's really nothing in it for the students themselves. Whether or not they score well has no consequences for them. Unlike the OGT, doing poorly on the achievement tests will not keep them from moving on to the next grade or eventually graduating from high school.
However, at the district level, the consequences are much higher. Achievement test scores figure into a building and district's overall report card, indicating how it measures up to the other 612 in the state. A district can score excellent, effective, continuous improvement, academic watch or academic emergency. A poor report card can mean required tutoring and after-school help for students - added financial burdens for cash-strapped public schools.
Since everyone takes the same set of tests, it's a good way to compare apples to apples, the article noted.
The achievement tests replace the old proficiency test system. The OGT replaced the ninth grade proficiency test. Passing it is required for graduation, beginning this spring.
Although the tests change faces, many of the problems remain the same. Elyria school moved from academic emergency to effective rating over a nine-year period. But most urban schools still struggle. At the same time, suburban schools like Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville tend to always score pretty well.
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