State And Feds At Odds Over New Rules For Scoring Arizona Schools
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Weather.
State and Federal Dispute Over New Scoring Rules for Arizona Schools
Overview
The U.S. Department of Education's recent changes to school progress measurements in 2005-2006 have greatly affected Arizona schools, leading to over 600 being labeled as failing?"nearly three times the previous year's number.
Context and Changes
This year, Arizona schools had to include AIMS test scores in reading and math for students in their second or third year of learning English. Additionally, support for special education students on AIMS tests was reduced, and the range of grades tested expanded. Previously, students in grades three, five, eight, and ten were tested. Now, testing covers grades three through eight and high school sophomores.
Reactions and Challenges
Superintendent Tom Horne strongly opposes these federal mandates, labeling them as illogical. He attributes nearly 400 additional school failures to these new rules, emphasizing that about 112 schools failed solely due to including scores from students in their first three years of learning English. Horne argues the new requirements make success unattainable for many schools, as many students have recently arrived from Mexico and lack proficiency in English.
Federal officials suggest translating the AIMS test to assist these students, but have dismissed Horne’s requests for more time, arguing that unchecked groups of students may not receive adequate instruction.
Legal Actions and Concerns
In July 2006, Horne filed a lawsuit against the federal government to delay including English as a Second Language student scores until their fourth year. Until the court decision, Arizona schools must continue following these mandates.
Educators and administrators share Horne's view that the federal policy is impractical, fearing it unfairly tarnishes the reputations of many well-performing schools. There is concern that the "failing" label could harm schools that have previously maintained high standards.
Potential Consequences
In 2005, 54 Arizona schools had failed to meet federal progress benchmarks for four consecutive years. By 2006, this number rose to 66. If the trend continues, more schools face state intervention, which might include changes in staff. If failures persist, federal law mandates significant restructuring, starting with principal and teacher replacements.
Horne remains hopeful for a favorable court outcome to prevent severe repercussions for Arizona schools. Without success in court, many schools may soon face drastic changes.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: State And Feds At Odds Over New Rules For Scoring Arizona Schools.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.