TPERN Opposes Proposed STAAR Percentile Rule
On December 19, 2014, the TEA published a proposed amendment to 19 TAC §101.3041, dealing with STAAR performance standards. This proposed rule ostensibly provides for the publication of percentile ranks on the STAAR, theoretically making comparison between test takers easier. (TPERN believes that the purpose of an academic readiness assessment is to determine readiness of the individual student, not to provide for comparisons to other students). However, the rule is confusing and raises the possibility that the published information could be misused by school districts in making promotion and retention decisions. Moreover, the TEA found it necessary to publish a proposed formula for converting all STAAR scores to a 1-100 scale. While the current formula is simply a restatement of what a percentile is, the inclusion of the formula leaves the conversion method open to amendment. The formula could later be altered to create a “grade” that is percentile based, but not the actual percentile rank. We think this is an improper use of an assessment instrument, and the rule should prohibit local districts from using the 1 – 100 percentile based score as a part of grades or promotion or retention decisions. For that reason, TPERN has submitted a public comment in opposition to the rule urging various revisions before the rule is adopted.
Public comment on this proposed rule is open until January 20, 2015. Comments may be mailed to rules@tea.state.tx.us
To view the TPERN submitted comment, click Read More
