Indiana ISTEP 2016: Results Dip Yet Again, Consensus Panel Remains Divided Over Test Replacement

The latest results of the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP), which was released on Wednesday, Nov. 16, reflect another dip in the students' scores. The news comes as members of the panel tasked to recommend a replacement standardized test have been divided over what would be best for the system.

The drop in the passing mark is minimal based off last year's ISTEP numbers but the decline is concerning because it has been happening year after year. For ISTEP 2016, 66.1 percent of students from grades 3-8 earned a passing mark in English, while 58.9 percent passed Math. Last year's passing results are at 67.3 percent (English) and 61 percent (Math), the Indy Star reports.

Among grades 4-6 students, 64.9 percent passed Science, which was another slight dip from last year's 69.2 percent. Students from the 10th grade took the ISTEP for the first time this year with a passing mark of 59 percent (English) and 34.6 percent (Math). At least two-thirds of the students passed Science.

Superintendent Jeff Butts believes that the ISTEP has its flaws and the low test scores prove the need for a test replacement to assess if the students are college-ready. "I don't think we have the confidence that those grades are accurately reflecting the accomplishments and achievements that we're obtaining in our public schools today," the superintendent said, according to Fox 59.

Department of Education releases statewide results of 2016 ISTEP+ test, scores down significantly https://t.co/3Llm0HMASO via @cbs4indy

— Dr. Jeff Butts (@WayneTwpSuper) November 17, 2016

Butts and other school superintendents have written the state about changing the test before. The results have only caused frustration among teachers and parents when many believe it's an inaccurate assessment.

According to the Journal Gazette, the state has formed an ISTEP replacement panel with a task of coming up with test replacement recommendations. But the panel is still divided over the specifics. They are supposed to present their proposal to state legislators by December.

The Indiana Department of Education designed and implemented the ISTEP for years. In March, Indiana Governor (and now Vice President-elect) Mike Pence signed the abolishment of ISTEP effective July 2017, the Indy Channel reports. Thus, the need for a replacement.