They very well may be the four most-feared letters in education.
No, we’re not talking ABC’s. We’re talking PSSA.
In case you missed it, the results are out from the most recent round of state standardized testing. And the news is not good.
Here in Delaware County, eight of 15 school districts failed to meet their Adequate Yearly Progress Targets. You can read about them here. The news was equally as glum across the state, as the numbers of students meeting state standards declined for the first time since 2002.
So what does it all mean? A lot of people talk about PSSAs, some believe entirely too much emphasis is placed on them and that districts now are literally “teaching to the test,” and failing to offer a more well-rounded education.
The districts themselves don’t have much choice. They are mandated to meet certain AYP levels or face the consequences, which could include funding cuts.
We’ll be talking about the PSSAs tonight on our live-stream Internet broadcast, ‘Live From the Newsroom.’ We’ll be joined by Larry Feinberg, a school board member in Haverford and leader of the Keystone State Education Coalition. We’ll also be joined by Dan McGarry, an assistant superintendent in Upper Darby School District who ruffled a lot of feathers this year when he authored a district-wide realignment plan that emphasized curriculum changes to meet those AYP standards.
And I want you to get involved.
Have a question about the PSSAs? Do you think entirely too much is being made of them? How would you suggest districts be held accountable? Email me your question or comment to editor@delcotimes.com and I will put it to our panel tonight. Upper Darby parents, are you happy with the new realignment plan? If not what would you like to see the district do instead?
You can also join us live tonight at 7 at DelcoTimes.com when we tackle the issue of PSSA test scores. Get involved. Join the conversation!
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