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Rep. Fedor Proposes Delay of High-Stakes Education Decisions
Based on Student Test Scores
Teachers, students deserve time to implement standards
effectively
State Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) introduced legislation
today to institute a three-year suspension of high-stakes
decisions based on student test scores in measuring student
growth and evaluating teacher performance. In June, the
legislature voted to suspend high-stakes decisions based on
test scores for the 2014-2015 school year, but schools say
one year does not provide enough time for a successful
transition.
“Ohio’s New Learning Standards and related assessments have
taken effect this year, and deliberate implementation is
critical to ensuring that the transition to higher-level
standards is successful,” said Rep. Fedor. “This legislation
would essentially give Ohio’s schools, educators and
students the time to implement the standards effectively and
without threat of punishment.”
During a suspension – often referred to as a “safe-harbor”
period – report card ratings cannot be used to trigger state
sanctions, such as making schools eligible for vouchers.
Additionally, student growth measures cannot be used to make
decisions regarding the dismissal, retention, tenure or
compensation of a teacher.
"Ohio is at a critical moment where the state must decide
how to move forward in a way that truly improves public
education for our children. The switch to new learning
standards shows a serious commitment to our children’s
future,” said Melissa Cropper, President of Ohio Federation
of Teachers. “However, testing continues to be an obstacle
to a vibrant learning environment when instructional time is
lost to hours of tests and test preparation - this is a poor
frame for teaching, learning and understanding. A three-year
pause on the high stakes decisions attached to testing will
give Ohio time to make thoughtful decisions about the next
steps in educating our children and what role testing should
have in that process.”
H.B. 642 was referred to the House Education Committee, and
has yet to receive a committee hearing. To date, 18
legislators have co-sponsored the legislation.
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