Accountability

Articles

1449 articles

Kindergarten Helper

4/6

Aug 21, 4:14 PM:

Report on kindergarten in OH town and the importance of having a strong teacher early on. Spells out several state standards for the grade and notes importance of parental involvement.

Common Core In LA

5/6

Aug 21, 12:14 PM:

Houma-Thibodaux district starts adopting standards. Notes local Catholic schools doing so, too with modifications. Breakdown of what changes mean, benefits and concerns.

Projects Evolve Into Class

4/6

Aug 21, 11:46 AM:

Baltic (SD) students' pilot work on STEM last year means new full-fledged effort for juniors and seniors. Describes how to be used to develop curriculum and how fits with Common Core.

New Modesto Report Cards

2/6

Aug 21, 10:17 AM:

Local CA schools change how report cards will look. Simply a list of changes, like how certain subjects like English & Math now divided into skills like spelling and subtraction. Slight hint that standards-based grading is reason >

Aspen Achievement

3/6

Aug 21, 9:34 AM:

CO district outscores statewide averages on exams. Room for improvement noted despite beating averages. No hints as to why district outperformed students elsewhere, just a report on achievement stats.

Report Cards On Hold

5/6

Aug 21, 9:20 AM:

OH schools have to wait to find out how well they're doing. State Super delays release of info pending outcome of investigation of attendance-tampering allegations. Describes issue of accuracy and impact on districts.

FCAT Questions Not Answered

4/6

Aug 20, 4:35 PM:

Reasons behind high number of erasures on statewide tests at 4 FL schools remain mystery. Describes results of probe and recommendations to ensure future tests are securely stored.

iPad Learning

5/6

Aug 20, 1:21 PM:

iPads are just part of played part in improving test scores for AL grade schools, according to school folks. Teachers still key, while tech allows for more individualization and is said to engage students in learning.

iPads To Improve Learning

5/6

Aug 20, 12:26 PM:

Tapping into research that suggests Internet use at home for low- and middle-income kids may lead to better academic achievement, SD district gives kids iPads. Test gains said to be made, but comparative data missing.

GA Dropout Figures Higher

4/6

Aug 20, 12:21 PM:

Tougher fed graduation rate standards and discrepancy in measuring number quitting lead to double number of students out of school without degree. Describes new formula used to count, meaning 67%, not 87% received diploma.

New Grading System

3/6

Aug 20, 11:06 AM:

NB district just changed their grading system, for the 4th time in 4 years. New grades will reflect projects/tests, rather than homework or behavior. College rep assuages students' fear of changes in reporting, saying they're >

Bill De-emphasizes Tests

5/6

Aug 20, 9:17 AM:

Up for debate in CA is how much should standardized test scores account for a school's report card. Bill sponsor says dominance of testing ignores critical/creative thinking. Others argue all kids must pass basics of tests first. >

SD Steady Performance

4/6

Aug 20, 9:07 AM:

Little change in state's graduation rates and test scores in past year. Describes transition from AYP to new system of accountability.

What’s An A?

4/6

Aug 20, 8:27 AM:

OH school changes from 7 to 10-point grading scale. Looks at larger issue of impact on students' GPAs and whether disparities disadvantage some while boosting others. Describes need to level playing field.

Upping Competition With Standards

3/6

Aug 20, 8:26 AM:

Common Core and Essential Standards coming to NC. Aim is to make schools more globally competitive. Revamping standards important because employers finding that students have difficulty applying skills. 

A Gifted Education

5/6

Aug 17, 3:10 PM:

Students identified as highly intelligent, including those with learning disabilities, are taught at a private academy in CO. Students prepare for a global world and school hosts IB program.

Cheating Not Widespread

4/6

Aug 17, 2:52 PM:

FL report says cheating in 2011 confined to a handful of schools and no evidence of altered student responses at any of the schools.

Grant For School Improvement

4/6

Aug 17, 1:52 PM:

ME HSs' low-performance helps it win grant to improve. Now, in second year of grant, money going to in-service training, defined goals for students. Online coursework will be an option and grant $$ will pay for AP fees. >

Investigating Irregularities

4/6

Aug 17, 1:11 PM:

Small number of possible security breaches in NJ testing and officials are investigating vigorously.  Officials say some are just dumb mistakes, while others more malicious in intent.

NH Student Achievement

2/6

Aug 17, 11:31 AM:

Principal at Marston School in Hampton expects most kids to make progress for 2011-12. Cites data from group that does testing. Not clear here whether saying all will make AYP.