Re: queries

[aburke5054@aol.com]

-----Original Message-----
 From: gbracey1@verizon.net
 To: arn-l@interversity.org
 Sent: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:45 PM
 Subject: [arn-l] queries
 
 1. I'm hearing that the error rate on test results is high enough that principals spend substantial portions of their summer cleaning the data--making sure that kids the schools say were tested have results, making sure kids are in the right subgroups, figuring out what to do with kids who weren't in their school. ___________________________________________________  As the accountability clock ticks on, there is heightened attention to "cleaning" the data. But this has nothing to do with errors in scoring the test and everything to do with the bits and pieces of the accountability protocols - verifying that a child was enrolled in the school or district the minimum time in order to be counted for accountability purposes, accurate classification as to racial or ethnic group, disability status, F/R lunch status, ESL status. Schools and districts are just falling all over themselves to take ownership for as many kids as possible. You judge as to whether the taxpayers are getting their money's worth if a clerical task is assigned to principals earning 80-100 grand or more. 
 
 As to your second query, I have seen no analysis of the profitability of the state contracts for the contractors. That would have to come from the company side, not the state side.
 
 Art
   
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