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Livonia Observer; Sunday, October 14, 2007
Topic Started: Oct 14 2007, 11:11 AM (1,936 Views)
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BoaterDan
Oct 15 2007, 08:38 AM
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Oct 15 2007, 08:11 AM
I don't understand why the state is forcing those who took it before it was leaked to re-test.  I can understand those who took it after the publication of the article, but, Before? Bureaucracy at it's best.

Btw has anyone seen the Jackson Citizen Patriot?  It makes the OE look like the NY Times.

For a standardized test to work, everyone has to get the same questions.

I agree with others that the real question that should have been investigated is whether it really mattered. As some have noted here, nothing precludes the same thing from happening via numerous other mechanisms. I can't imagine more than a handful of people read that article and thought about how they could use it to cheat for their kid's school.

But isn't the standardized test already compromised by some students taking it more than once? They could either be tired and not do their best or will have a better grasp on how to answer.

seems either way it's going to be skewed and subject to criticism.
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BoaterDan
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Oct 15 2007, 12:36 PM
I don't think it's fair to insinuate that giving the essay portion first is manipulating scores. 


How do you interpret this?

"We put it at the beginning of the testing window when students are at their freshest..."

I'm taking it at face value to mean we expect the best scores on this section when it is one of the first tests because the students are "fresh". The implication is that any section put first would score relatively higher than one towards the end of the testing period. And she clearly says they choose which test to put first.

So, if a school is a little weak in math but rockin' in another subject, change the order and maybe get a point or two where you need it out of the switch.

Again, nothing sinister about that and not an indictment for anybody that does it - just a further dose of reality of what the MEAP has created and how comprehensively we play to the test.

I think I see what you mean about skewing it... because districts can apparently define the order, some will not have done that subject yet. So some districts will take it twice and some only once. Is that what you're talking about?
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Sorry, Dan. I read that as another dig at LPS.

I think you did interpret my thoughts correctly. I was responding to your comment about all questions needing to be the same in order for a standardized test to work. I agree with you, my point was this: if they force some kids to retake it, it also makes the test no longer standardized.

I do agree with the way the state allows the test to be administered though. I like that each school has the ability to take the tests when it best fits with their teaching schedule. I think this may be the only aspect of this test that least interferes with the real curriculum.

My idea is to throw out the question this year. I think it is the best way to level the playing field for everyone. Certainly some MI students will still have taken one more test than others, but I don't think that will have as significant an impact as re-testing.

This year the level playing field has been compromised, I don't think there is any way to fix it so that it is fair for all students. Let it go this year, hold JPS and Citizen Patriot responsible and move on. It's fair to the students and the school districts.
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Vanna White
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Oct 16 2007, 10:54 AM
I do agree with the way the state allows the test to be administered though. I like that each school has the ability to take the tests when it best fits with their teaching schedule. I think this may be the only aspect of this test that least interferes with the real curriculum.

My idea is to throw out the question this year. I think it is the best way to level the playing field for everyone. Certainly some MI students will still have taken one more test than others, but I don't think that will have as significant an impact as re-testing.

This year the level playing field has been compromised, I don't think there is any way to fix it so that it is fair for all students. Let it go this year, hold JPS and Citizen Patriot responsible and move on. It's fair to the students and the school districts.

How can each school adminster in the order they see fit without worrying over sharing the questions, particularly the essay prompts? Couldn't this already happen any time under that system? I am sure it probably has...maybe not with the intent to cheat, but I have to imagine that some teachers may have (college) friends that teach in other districts and that they may talk about the MEAP. I think it is highly likely that a teacher somewhere in this state was able to better prepare her class for a particular essay question due to this flaw. If the state is going to take the high and mighty road just because of the issue in Jackson, then they ought to mandate a specific date for administering each specific section.
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I don't know that we can even legally toss out the question. I think NCLB makes sure of that. But now the cat is out of the bag, they may be forced to set times and dates for these specific tests.
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IlikeLIvonia
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Jimid
Oct 14 2007, 03:15 PM

Kirksey stays strong

When? When will the hate mail come out this time? Will it be two weeks or two days before the election. Will it be a Mr., Ms., or Mrs. delivering the message?

To be so negative, one must be frightened, threatened or be in pain. One must be harboring anger from the past. Yet, Mayor Jack Kirksey is standing tall. The messages of this negative mail was somewhat painful to Mayor Kirksey, family and those who love and support him.

In spite of the authored negative, untrue statements, Mr. Kirksey has continued to promote himself as the best viable candidate. Supposedly, some voters in the primary, changed their decisions and course of action, as a result of the negative statements. These types of tactics must be stopped. Mayor Kirksey was not weakened by the negative ads, but was strengthened by them. He is unyielding and strong.

In spite of the detractors, they have not dampened his spirit. Mr. Kirksey continues to get the word out that he is the best candidate for the job of mayor. He has his own message to deliver, and that is to continue to make Livonia one of the best cities in the world. He has a vision.

Catherine Starks

Livonia


http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...542/1199/NEWS10

It looks like you have your answer Catherine Starks. And the slam mail come from your beloved Jack Kirksey. Do you still feel the same? Jacko must be really scared, really threatened, or in a lot of pain, or maybe just losing his mind to put out such negative things like that. Think of the pain he may have caused.
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