A Reader Writes... Sometimes It Pays to Play the Game - Part 1

In response to the 6/26/13 post, “Sometimes It Pays to Play the Game," a long time LYSer writes:

SC,

Your idea is good IF....  IF means all grade levels become aligned.  IF you moved all 9th courses to 10th or 11th grade except for ELA, your accountability scores would be based ONLY on ELA for at least a year or two, which would be devastating.  Essentially all tested courses (other than ELA 2) should be aligned to a single grade level.  That makes it complex since there are two tests in ELA, which means at least two different groups no matter what.

Also, keep in mind it is very unlikely the current accountability matrix stays in place given HB5.  In some ways the time we live in is more unknown and dangerous than before. 

SC Response

There are always “If’s.”  For example, if we do nothing, we can predict results with a high degree of accuracy.  In this case, if we do nothing the students taking the test with the highest stakes will be our most fragile high school students.  A situation that is far from optimal.

If we do something, there will be transitional issues and short-term challenges, but in the long run we can create a more advantageous situation for more students.

And I agree that the legislature will make more changes to testing and accountability in the next session.  That is the predictable outcome when extremist agendas and ill-informed opinions provide the rubric for creating education policy.  Which is why I will repeat my initial premise.  As an educational leader, I’m going to play the hand that is dealt to me to protect my students first and my organization second. If this means we will have to change from what we have always done in the past, so be it. 

That is leadership.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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