NYS Education Department Changes Scoring for ELA and Math Assessments
The NYS Education Department has announced they are raising the cut scores for the grades 3-8 math and ELA assessments . The raising of the cut scores is the first step in a broader reform vision which has yet to be outlined. Superintendent Daniel Lowengard shares his thoughts in a letter he recently sent out to every parent in the district. Please click through to read a copy of the letter.
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Syracuse City School District 725 Harrison Street Syracuse, NY 13210 |
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Daniel G. Lowengard
Superintendent of Schools
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Ph. (315) 435-4164
Fax.(315) 435-4015
dlowengard@scsd.us
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| July 22, 2010 |
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Dear Parent or Guardian, The New York State Board of Regents has announced they are adjusting the “cut scores” for the English/Language Arts (ELA) and math assessments. By adjusting these scores many of our students, who just last year would have scored proficient (passing), will not this year. Even though the entire school district is in favor of raising the standards for all students, we are not in favor of changing the way a test is scored after it has been given. Over the last three years, the growth our students have shown on these tests has been better than the state average. We are extremely proud of them, of their teachers and of all of you for all the time and hard work that has gone into raising those scores, yet we know our students can do better. We know we must improve our proficiency level on these tests, as it will better prepare students for high school and college graduation. The best way for you to know how your child is doing is to keep in constant contact with your child’s teacher(s) and the school. The Board of Education and I are committed to the success of each and every student. We want to assure you that our students are making progress in spite of political policies that would seem to contradict this. Working together, we will continue to make sure your child succeeds. |
Sincerely, Superintendent of Schools |