Commissioner's Newsletter
May 24, 2002
Dear School Administrator:
Despite the state’s tough financial position, the members of the 91st General Assembly treated public schools well. While most other programs were cut substantially, the foundation formula received a 6% increase.
A major disappointment, however, was losing funding for a portion of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). The legislature provided funds to continue the assessments in communication arts and mathematics but eliminated funding for science, social studies and health/physical education. We appreciate the support of the MASA Executive Committee who unanimously passed a resolution encouraging the legislature to restore funding for the MAP. We also appreciate the great support and hard work of many educators who worked diligently to keep the funding.
As you know, significant investments of money, time, and effort have resulted in a strong assessment program in Missouri. Teachers, administrators, department staff and others have worked cooperatively to improve the quality of instruction and student achievement. Even MAP critics concede that the assessment program, in conjunction with the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), has been the driving force behind this momentum.
Frankly, in light of the pending implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), we should not risk the loss of a year of MAP. The NCLB legislation and the requirements related to ‘adequate yearly progress’ start with baseline data on assessments administered in 2002. We will be required to expand our testing program to assess math and communication arts in grades 3-8 by 2005-2006. Those subjects are also to be assessed at one grade level in high school. Additionally, we must test science at the elementary, middle, and high school levels by 2006-2007. Our MAP science assessment meets that requirement, and we really need to keep it going.
As you know, MAP is an integral part of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP). Districts are expressing concerns about having fewer available options to earn a "Met" at the three grade spans because they would have two, rather than four, chances for improvement. We have received numerous calls from superintendents who are concerned about maintaining the focus on improving student achievement. They have expressed interest in continuing with the MAP in science and social studies on a voluntary basis for the 2002-2003 school year while working with legislators to restore state funding in 2003-2004.
CTB/McGraw-Hill has indicated that, if we can assess at least 48,000 students in each subject at each grade level, the cost would be $7.12 per assessment in science and $7.56 in social studies. That would represent an increase of $5.32 per student for science and $5.76 for social studies over what districts paid in 2002. The cost should not be a "budget buster" for most districts for one year. We plan to work hard to get funding restored for 2004 testing.
In working on this issue, we have tried to anticipate the consequences for districts scheduled for their MSIP accreditation after 2002-2003. We have decided, therefore, to permit districts to use the results of a voluntary administration of MAP science and/or social studies toward MSIP Performance Points within the following guidelines:
1. If districts voluntarily participate, they will administer all of the science and/or all of the social studies at the designated grade levels in adherence to the current MAP guidelines.
2. The MSIP Performance Points will be prorated for two, three, or four subject areas at each grade span based upon the number of subject areas assessed; thus, there is no way a district could lose Performance Points in this process.
3. For districts that choose not to continue with the assessment, adjustments will be made to the Scoring Guide by reducing the performance point requirements by a comparable percentage as the total points available.
Please indicate, on the enclosed survey form, whether or not your district plans to continue the assessment program on a voluntary basis in the 2002-2003 school year. We would like for the form to be faxed to 573-526-0812 by June 19 in order to assist the Department as we work with CTB.
During challenging financial times, districts have to review priorities as they make budgetary decisions. Whatever assessment decision you make, I’m confident that improving instruction and student achievement will remain priorities in your district.
Thanks for your leadership.
Sincerely,
D. Kent King