Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Wawasee administrators overall are pleased with the results of the 1997 ISTEP+ test.
Director of instruction Tom Tumey told the school board Tuesday there was about a 70 percent improvement in student performance corporationwide.
Though the results appear favorable, Tumey cautioned that the difference between 1996 and 1997 scores is not an "apples to apples" comparison because the scores are from different classes.
Sophomore test scores are getting the most attention, he said, since this is the first year ISTEP+ scores will be part of high school graduation requirements.
Beginning with the class of 2000, students must meet a minimum standard in math and language arts. Students who do not pass a section their sophomore year have four more chances to meet the standard.
Wawasee sophomores did better than state expectations on the ISTEP+. Only 21 percent scored below the standard in language arts, and only 27 percent did not meet the math standard. State projections were that 27 percent would not meet the standard in language arts and 39 percent would have low math scores.
Wawasee High School principal Alan Frank said that when this year's sophomores were freshmen, 57 students failing math or English were targeted for help. Of these, 44 percent passed the ISTEP+ and several others missed the standard by just a few points.
Eighty-six students will need to take the ISTEP+ test again.
Students who did not meet the standard in at least one area received a letter from WHS administrators explaining their scores and inviting them to a meeting to discuss the remediation process. The meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 29 in the high school lecture room.
Students who successfully completed both portions of the ISTEP+ test also received a letter with their scores. The letter suggested students look at scores and see if they could still improve, and reminded students that passing the test does not guarantee a high school diploma. Students must still pass the required courses and obtain the right number of credits to graduate.
WHS assistant principal Dave Matz said the school will look at a "certificate of completion" for students who complete the required credits but cannot meet ISTEP standards.
The following results were reported from other classes taking the September ISTEP test: third-graders, 32 percent below the standard in language arts, 28 percent below in math; sixth-graders, 31 percent below in language arts, 27 percent in math; eighth-graders, 16 percent below in language arts, 25 percent in math.
Students in eighth grade having problems in language arts or math will be targeted for remediation as they enter high school next year. Students will meet once a week during study hall for remediation labs with part-time assistants.
In other business, board president Carol Swartzendruber said applications for the vacancy on the school board must be turned in by Thursday. The board has received two applications for the post vacated when Mike Kern resigned in December.
Swartzendruber said the board hopes to make an appointment at a meeting planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 20 in the high school lecture room.
