A panel in charge of recommending a new state standardized test for students remains divided on a replacement for the ISTEP exam. The Indianapolis Star reports that state Superintendent Glenda Ritz wants Indiana to use computer-based tests with questions that adapt to students’ skill levels in order to give teachers a better understanding of what individuals know. But some panelists, appointed by Gov. Mike Pence, say Indiana should keep a single pass/fail exam and potentially offer additional tests that measure students’ progress. Republican state Rep. Robert Behning of Indianapolis suggested keeping the current system while taking time to pilot other test designs. But Ritz says that plan would go against new Indiana law that requires the state to end ISTEP after the upcoming school year.
