Saturday, April 15, 2000
Clinton backs school tests
Strategy controversial in Ohio
BY James Pilcher
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ATLANTA — President Clinton reiterated his support of standardized tests to measure school performance and ensure accountability Friday, the same day Ohio regulators began releasing results of its tests.
Speaking before a meeting of the Education Writers of America, Mr. Clinton said some districts may be using flawed tests or relying on testing too much, but that the tests remain the best measure.
“Sure, we may need a mid-course review to see where we've been and where we need to go,” he said. “But I see no possible way to continue reforming schools without a way of measuring performance.”
Mr. Clinton's remarks coincided with the statewide release in Ohio of raw scores on the 12th-grade proficiency tests. Unlike the ninth-grade version, students' fates are not determined by the 12th-grade test. Students who don't pass the ninth-grade test by graduation do not receive diplomas.
Beginning next year, Ohio students who do not pass the reading portion of the fourth-grade test after summer school and several tries will not be allowed to advance.
Parent groups and state legislators have called for suspension of the tests, while the state Department of Education is studying how the test is administered and graded.
And Gov. Bob Taft has begun forming a commission to study the efficacy of the tests, even though Mr. Taft still is committed to the concept overall.
Mr. Clinton, too, emphasized his commitment to the concept. “I still think it works if you look at the number of tests, the type of tests, and if your goals for what you are trying to do with the tests are sharply focused.”
But during a panel discussion on raising standards earlier in the day, one parent from Virginia disagreed.
“I know of second- and third-graders who have had mental breakdowns because of the pressure,” said Mickey VanDerwerker, co-founder of Parents Across Virginia United To Reform SOLs (that state's standardized tests). “It is wrong to do this to children for political reasons ... to be able to thump on your chests and say we're being tough on kids and we're accountable.”
Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes said tests are a part of life. “The business world tests on knowledge and skill before you get a job,” said Mr. Barnes, who recently oversaw passage of a massive package of educational reforms for his state. “And we've got the SAT. ... It's not going away.”
Dow, Nasdaq suffer biggest 1-day drops
6 accused in airman's death
City: No misuse of tourism money
County: Bengals violated policy on bids
A father's story
Forgery scheme alleged
Hope rises from smoldering church
Portune-Bedinghaus battle may cost $1 million
Seniors' test scores highest ever
Tougher teacher training sought Union wants higher standards
Clinton backs school tests
Dowlin less of a target, raises less cash
Enquirer ex-editor sues Gannett
Father charged in infant's death
Get to it
Language of Miamis fades in history
Man accused in Fairfield Twp. rape
New 'home' will best NFL's best
New Monroe Local school district gets to work
Norwood budgets less for recreation
Painful lessons learned
Program receives $250M to help increase city's home ownership
Railroad to depart from Mason
Reward offered in hit-and-run death
School outlay reduced
Sex industry workers offered escape
TRISTATE A.M. REPORT
Winton Woods Cleanup to maintain, beautify park
Woman accused in robbery
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
