A-to-F accountability systems thrive, college-career readiness still problematic
By Tom Chorneau
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
California is not alone when it comes to wrestling with new accountability indicators as evidenced by the struggles of lawmakers and educators in several other states also undertaking reviews – some drawn in the wake of federal waivers from No Child Left Behind mandates.
One popular approach this spring appears to be focused on simplifying the system by grading schools just as their students have been for generations using an A-to-F matrix. While such systems may prove more accessible for parents and taxpayers – program architects still largely rely on the same handful of indicators that make up some existing evaluation systems.
Last week for instance, the Mississippi Board of Education revised their A-to-F accountability matrix that among other things added graduation rates. Lawmakers in the state of Washington appear close to an agreement on a new A-to-F system that would include rewards for improved student achievement.
Meanwhile, the head of public schools in Texas said he plans to roll out a new system for grading schools A-to-F next year that will emphasize closing the achievement gap and improving the educational outcomes for low-income students.
One area that states seem to struggle is with defining good indicators that can reflect college and career readiness. That issue has become important to states awarded waivers from the U.S. Department of Education from NCLB
Uptick in numbers of disabled students passing part of exit exam
Over the past three years, the number of California students with disabilities asking to be excused from key parts of the high school exit exam has decreased dramatically.
