State Audit shows KIRIS test has been getting easier. Date sent: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 00:46:32 -0500 From: "Richard G. Innes" <70224.434@compuserve.com> Subject: RE: Florida repeats WA's test mistakes To: "INTERNET:arthurhu@halcyon.com" Arthur, You asked in response to the recent Kentucky KIRIS test audit: <> Sure! It was even mentioned in the audit. For example, on page 9, the auditor notes that kids were given more time to do tests in each subject (spread out over up to *3 days* by 1997). Also mentioned on this page, all testing used to be done in Grades 4, 8 and 12. Grade 4 testing is now reduced, as some elements are given to Grade 5 kids. The same comment applies to former Grade 8 testing, which is now split between Grades 7 and 8. It is pretty obvious that kids will be under a lot less stress if the testing covers fewer subjects. That can really make a difference on a open response writing test. There is an even more obvious example discussed on page 11. In 1992, all open response items in a given subject like math needed to be graded "3" or better for an overall grade of "Proficient" to be awarded. By 1994, that was relaxed so that "no scores below 3" was no longer a requirement to be "Proficient." That is obvious and blatant. Another apparent relaxation occurred on the 1997 test according to one scorer quoted in the audit report. There is some question whether this is accurate, but that scorer apparently scored based on the assumption that any flaws in an answer precluded a top score until 1997. In 1997, this scorer says that restriction was also relaxed. Again, a blatant example. Richard Innes