Dismissing Chicago’s dramatic gains in state test scores because the passing score was lowered in just one of 14 tests administered is fundamentally unfair and misleading to the students and teachers in the Chicago Public Schools (“An `A’ for everybody!” Editorial, July 14). Our students made double-digit gains at every grade on almost every test.
Sure the circumstances of the test were different this year: a new, more user-friendly test created by a new testing company; 10 minutes of additional time allowed for each section of each test; more grades tested in reading and math; and a change in 8th-grade math scoring.
But this is the test the state provided; this is the state standard our students were asked to meet.
The fact that the percentage of kids meeting these standards rose by an unprecedented 15 points clearly shows that the strategies we have diligently pursued for several years now are working–a back-to-basics curriculum through the Reading Initiative, an end to social promotions, an expansion of pre-school and after-school programs, and better recruiting and training of teachers and principals.
Our students are steadily closing the achievement gap and I am absolutely confident that Chicago’s stunning achievement will shine in comparison to the rest of Illinois when statewide scores are released.
At that time, I hope that the Tribune will give our children, teachers and principals their fair measure of credit.