EXAM CRAM

Administration developed workable plan for ISTEP+, more resources should be offered

HILITE STAFF EDITORIAL

One of the most challenging aspects of this school year is standardized testing. On Feb. 5* and Feb. 10, juniors will take one of their most important tests of their academic careers: the ISTEP+. During this unprecedented semester, administrators at this school had a tall task on their hands to organize testing sessions and ensure that all juniors fulfill this graduation requirement.

The plan they devised is commendable, and the responsibility now shifts to juniors to make sure they are in the right place at the right time on testing day. To that end, room lists are published in the main cafeteria, media center, and counseling office windows.

As for the schedule, on Feb. 5*, juniors will sit for the English section of ISTEP+ for the entire school day. All students must be in their seats by 8:45 a.m. Testing intervals will last 60 to 80 minutes, with a 10-minute break in between. Students will eat during A or B lunch, and the test is scheduled to end at 3:45 p.m. Students will take the math exam on Feb. 10, which is a late start day. As a result, students must be in their rooms by 9:25 a.m. instead. Otherwise, the rest of the testing day will proceed similarly, and will conclude at 3:45 p.m.

But school officials and others aren’t unable to still help. More communication is key over these last few days to ensure that students are prepared. Counselors and administrators should offer more testing resources through emails or other announcements. Families can independently find sample tests and scoring criteria through the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Even a half-hour of ISTEP+ review with these resources can make a critical difference.

SPEAK-UP!

LEAH TAN SPEAK-UPS, PHOTOS

How do you feel about the ISTEP+ schedule?

BY THE NUMBERS 33%

of students in Indiana passed the ISTEP+ in 2019

62%

of students in Indiana passed the English portion of the ISTEP+

35%

of students in Indiana passed the Math portion of the ISTEP+

CHALKBEAT SOURCE

“I think the biggest issue is the government still requiring testing during a pandemic, but regarding the schedule, I feel like testing for an entire day will be difficult. It’s difficult to focus in a normal school day, let alone for when testing for 7 hours.”

Junior Erin Gordon

“I don’t really the mind the ISTEP+ schedule. I’m not really affected by it since I can still do my own virtual work on my own autonomous schedule, but I do think they could’ve communicated it to our teachers and us better.”

Freshman Sami Syed

Scan this to see the Junior ISTEP+ Schedule. ISTEP+ Testing is on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 OUR STANCE

We commend the school for adjusting the ISTEP+ schedule per COVID-19 regulations, but recommend they accommodate more for student needs

Teachers, especially those for non-junior classes, need to keep their students on track. ISTEP+ is equivalent to a mass-absence, since juniors miss the whole day.

Administrators could also announce a contingency plan for students forced to quarantine during this short testing window. According to the IDOE, the ISTEP+ spring window is open from Feb. 2 until Feb. 26 -- leaving just over two weeks between the second session and the deadline. Safety concerns remain paramount, and students must have this information as soon as possible. COVID-19 can strike at any moment.

Time is ticking until testing day, and juniors must be prepared for what comes ahead. While administrators and school officials should not waste a moment in distributing ISTEP+ guides and releasing the fallback plan for students in quarantine; ultimately, in this difficult year, they can only do so much. Juniors must do their due diligence and put their best foot forward for this crucial exam. H *The Feb. 5 ISTEP+ date changed to Feb. 17 following the publication of this editorial due to weather cancellations This editorial was originally published online on Feb. 2, 2021