District: Testing time could infringe on learning, field trips
By Michael S. Hoey
Correspondent
Delavan-Darien’s curriculum director likened implementing the combination of new testing requirements and a new teacher effectiveness program to building the Transcontinental Railroad in two weeks.
“We are living on the edge to meet deadlines and still protect instructional time and make learning enjoyable,” district Director of Instruction Cora Rund said Monday.
The Delavan-Darien School Board discussed the merit of state-required testing and heard a report from Rund about the new slate of tests the district must administer this year.
Superintendent Robert Crist said district students will face about 25 days of state-mandated testing, costing them valuable instruction time. Tests students must take this year have acronyms like PALS, ACT Aspire, DLM, WKCE, WAA, ACCESS, NAEP, and Smarter Balance. Some assessments are administered twice. All juniors will take the ACT this year.
“What are we doing with kids?” Crist asked. “It is outrageous.”
Crist said it is important to provide interesting learning experiences like field trips, especially to students of poverty, to keep them engaged but where is the time for that among all the testing?
Rund said many other nations that have very well-regarded educational systems do not do things the way they are done in America.
“What does it mean to be a successful student in our district?” she asked. “I have never had to list my ACT scores on a job application.”
“I don’t think the public really understands how much time is involved in testing,” Crist said.
Board member Chad Kort asked if there is any way for a district to opt out of some of the testing. Crist said he does not think so. Steve Logterman asked if some of the testing is redundant. Rund said each assessment comes from a different place and serves a different purpose.
Crist said the testing could have a significant effect on the district’s state report card in the future. Rund provided a report on the most recent report card that showed the district scoring a 65.1, down from 68.3 the previous year. Every school in the district meets expectations with scores ranging from 64.3 at Phoenix Middle School to 72.1 at Darien Elementary School. Rund said the district has seen growth in overall reading, reading achievement gaps, math achievement gaps and attendance rate.
Rund also reported the district’s ACT scores for 2014 were lower than they have been in years at 19.9. She said that has led to discussion with teachers, much of it led by teachers, about increasing the rigor of district math and science courses. The district will also require three credits of math and science each instead of two in the future as mandated by the state. Rund said there is only a .5 differential between district students and state students who have taken college prep classes.
Referendum planning
The board discussed plans for the Nov. 4 referendum. Crist said one mailing was sent out that was short and concise. The district held one informational meeting on Oct. 2 that two members of the public attended. Another meeting was held Tuesday evening and a third will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the School Administration Center.
The district is asking for authorization to exceed revenue limits by $1.25 million each year for three years to pay for operating costs to support the programs and staff needed to provide quality educational opportunities for district students.
