1

TheTheHigh SchoolHigh School

Graduation QualifyingGraduation QualifyingExamExam

A RefresherA Refresher

2

This Presentation Will Include: Why do this presentation? Why Have an Exit Exam? The Original Law 1997 - 2001 Efforts to Delay Issues and Debates – SB 133 What’s the Law? 2001 – 2004 Funding What are Today’s Issues? Why a High Stakes Test? 2004 Seniors Practice Test Wrap-Up Discussion

3

Why Do This Presentation?

Seniors must pass this year.

Law and regulations are somewhat complex.

4

Why Did We Need An Exit Exam? Problems at the University

Students needed remedial classes and got no credit. Students’ graduations were delayed. Students dropped out. UA wanted reimbursement from Funding Formula.

Problems in the Workplace Young people couldn’t find or keep jobs. Employers couldn’t find qualified employees. Angry employers wouldn’t support increased funding.

5

Requirements of the 1997 Legislation Goals:

Teach and learn essential skills Every diploma will have worth Reduce University costs Increase employability

Major Aspects: Empowered DEED to create a test Certificate of Attendance Three years limit to pass after graduation Effective 2002

6

What happened between 1997 & 2001?

DEED created the HSGQE and the Benchmark Exams

Praxis Teachers’ Exams

School Designators – Grading the Schools

Some districts aligned curriculum & offered remediation, others did not.

Legislature funded LOGs and Quality Schools Grants

7

2001 - Efforts to Delay the Exam

Arguments for delaying the exam:

 Math test too hard

 Special Education students

 No curriculum alignment

 Lack of funding

8

Hard Work to Get it Right --

Three Senate Versions Senate HESS Senate Finance Senate Floor Amendments

Five House Versions House Special Committee on Education House HESS House Finance House Rules

Twenty-three Total Hearings

9

SB 133: The Debate and the Issues

Much Debate on Technical Issues Legal Issues Special Education Students Curriculum Alignment Funding Remediation Fairness

Bottom Line – Accountability, Fairness & Funding

10

Legal Issues Validity and Reliability of the TestValidity and Reliability of the Test

Test must measure what is taught.Test must measure what is taught. Passing and failing scores must reflect students’ Passing and failing scores must reflect students’

knowledge.knowledge.

Opportunity to LearnOpportunity to Learn Students must be taught what is on the test.Students must be taught what is on the test.

Opportunity to TestOpportunity to Test Students must have a chance to take the test.Students must have a chance to take the test.

11

Special Education Students Severely Disabled, Intensive Needs StudentsSeverely Disabled, Intensive Needs Students

2% of special education student population2% of special education student population Retardation, autism, etc.Retardation, autism, etc. Learn basic living skillsLearn basic living skills Not on diploma trackNot on diploma track

  

Other Special Education StudentsOther Special Education Students Comprise 98% of special education student populationComprise 98% of special education student population Average or above average intelligenceAverage or above average intelligence Dyslexia, blindness, deafness, etc.Dyslexia, blindness, deafness, etc. Federally entitled to access to general curriculumFederally entitled to access to general curriculum Individualized Education Plan (IEP)Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Entitled to accommodations and Entitled to accommodations and validvalid modifications. modifications.

12

Curriculum AlignmentAll Levels Depend on Each Other

D is tric t L e ve lC u rricu lu m

a ndT e x tbo o ks

S ch oo l Le ve lT e a che r T ra in ing

a ndP a ren t In vo lve m e nt

C la ssro o m L e ve lT e a ch e r's

L e ssonP la ns

S tud en tsL ea rn

S ta te S tan d ards

S ta te S tan d ardsin

R e a d in g , W rit in g a n d M a th

13

Funding to Prepare for Exam

Total Learning Opportunity Grant Funding

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

FY 01 FY 02 FY 03

$47.9 Million

14

And More Funding…

Quality Schools Grants FundingFY 1999 - FY 2003

3,320,000

3,330,000

3,340,000

3,350,000

3,360,000

3,370,000

3,380,000

FY 99 FY 00 FY 01 FY 02 FY 03

$16.8 Million

15

Over $64.7 MillionOver $64.7 MillionOver and above the Foundation Formula

In State Money Only

Since 1999Curriculum alignmentStudent remediation

16

What Does the Law Say?(See SB 133 from 2001)

  Effective Date of February 1, 2004 Certificate of Achievement Unlimited Time to Pass Tests Special Education Students Two Required Reports Waivers & Appeals

17

Effective Date of February 1, 2004 Public school seniors must pass all three

sections for a diploma this year… If they graduate in May January graduates do not have to pass.

Severely disabled students are exempted… If IEP exempts them from test Will receive diploma if their district’s policies

allow it.

18

Certificate of Achievement

Changed from Certificate of Attendance

Now will include: the portions of the test the student passed; the student's attendance record; other qualifications of the student the

district determines appropriate.

19

Unlimited Time to Pass Tests

Original law set a three year limit for students to pass the test after leaving school.

Now, there is no time limitMay take test when offeredMust pay district’s costs

20

Special Education Students Federal law requires all special ed students to

participate in statewide tests.

Regular HSGQE with accommodations or modifications.

Alternative test for severely disabled.

IEP team chooses accommodations and modifications.

No diploma if modifications invalidate test.

Students do not have to be re-tested if their IEP team recommends against it.

21

First of Two Required Reports To the Legislature (AS 14.03.078) – “The Thick Report” delivered every February 15

Information in the Report Card to the Public Number of students who pass each section of the HSGQE Progress in implementing school accountability provisions Resources for schools’ improvement activities and staff training Schools’ progress in aligning curriculum DEED’s efforts to assist schools that are deficient or in crisis Schools’ intervention efforts for students not meeting standards Turnover in certificated personnel and superintendents Number of teachers teaching outside area of endorsement in reading,

writing and math.

22

Second Required Report To the Public (AS 14.03.120)

“Report Card to the Public” available every January 15th

Districts’ goals and priorities; plans to achieve and measure them. Must encourage all members of the community to participate. Online by school at http://www.eed.state.ak.us/reportcard Includes:

Information on accreditation Results of tests Description of community involvement Description of attendance, retention, dropout, graduation rates How many students received a diploma under a waiver Enrollment changes Native language instruction How many students complete alternative assessment program but

do not meet state standards in reading, writing or math.

23

Waivers & Appeals (AS 14.07.165 and 4 AAC 06.772-774, 777,780, 789)

Waiver from requirement to pass test Granted by the school district if the student:

Enters an Alaskan school for the first time during senior year.

Passed a substantially similar test in another state. Experiences a “rare and unusual circumstance”-- illness,

parent’s death, uncorrectable system error.

Appeal If denied a waiver, student may appeal to DEED. If DEED also denies waiver, student may sue in Superior

Court.

24

2001 - 2004

SB 133 passed and was signed. Test re-written to reflect “essential skills.” New cut scores were adopted. All districts finished aligning their curriculum. Truancy has declined. Passing rates have risen. More targeted remediation has been offered. Waivers and Appeals Regulations were adopted.

25

WhatWhatare theare the

IssuesIssuesNow?Now?

26

A Question of Fairness???? My child passed all her classes and should get a diploma.

Social promotion does not serve students well.

My child has disabilities and should get his diploma. 98% have average or above average intelligence. Federal law guarantees access to general curriculum – the

high stakes exam is making sure that happens now. A rising tide raises all students up.

My child needs a diploma to succeed in life. University of Alaska has open enrollment. Military is an option when recruitment is low. Many without a diploma have achieved success. Certificate of Achievement will describe students’ skills.

27

Why Must the HSGQE Remain a Why Must the HSGQE Remain a High Stakes Test?High Stakes Test?

Public confidence in our schools.

Student confidence in their education.

Continued incentives for improvement.

At risk students get the help they need.

Special education students get access to general curriculum.

Accountability = More Funding

28

Real Benefits for Students Receiving more and better remediation.

During and after-school tutoring Online remediation programs Summer school programs

Commitment to Achieve Taking the test seriously Better attendance Participating in tutoring and other activities

29

2004 Seniors – The Data

At least 76% of Seniors Have Already Passed Statewide

Does not include: Likely waiver students. Students not on diploma track. Students without enough credits to graduate (about 10%

per year in Anchorage).

Next test is February 17-19, 2004.

30

Geographical DiversityTop Five Pass Rates

Pelican 100% St. Mary’s 100% Yakutat 100% Yupiit 100% Wrangell 94%

Bottom Five Pass Rates Iditarod 30% Yukon Flats 35% Lower Yukon 38% Chugach 43% Bering Strait 47%

Some Urban Schools’ Success Rate

Anchorage 76%

Fairbanks 85%

Kenai 85%

Juneau 80%

31

Practice Test Developed by educators and DEED

Please pick up copies of: Practice Test Test Blueprint Proficiency Descriptors.

Is it fair to set the bar lower?

Passing Scores: Reading: 275-383 Writing: 275-386 Math: 328-404

32

Conclusion

Alaska needs a high stakes exit exam.

The exam is fair, valid, and reliable.

The exam has fostered real change in our schools.

If we remove high stakes, it’s very likely much of that change will erode.

33

Thank you!Thank you!

34

DiscussionDiscussion