In the real world, where competent psychometricians and statisticians are allowed to calibrate formulas before ever considering applying them to high-stakes situations, such bias would have been dealt with. (And if the bias could not be dealt with, the formula would be scrapped.) As it is, outside of RSD-NO, schools such as my own Slidell High School (St. Tammany Parish) have “dropped” from an “A” in 2012 to a “B” by 2013 standards merely because the standards changed. So now White has manufactured a situation where certain schools (e.g., his state-run RSD-NO) seem to be “achieving,” while others appear to be slacking. Morgan City High (St. Mary’s Parish) would have had an “A” by consistently applied 2012 standards; however, by the new, unrelated 2013 scoring, it has a “B.” Cecilia High School (St. Martin’s Parish) would have had a “B” had consistent scoring been used from 2012 to 2013; however, it has a “C.” This scoring scheme tends toward the middle. Of course, there is the secrecy shrouding actual ACT scores used mixed in this 2013 “calculation.” In August, I emailed White regarding the publicizing of ACT scores for all districts. He would not release them and instead wrote that ACT would be “in” the school performance scores. For him to release actual ACT scores is too much— the public would actually understand and attach meaning to low ACT scores– so releasing a nebulous ACT “index” was a perfect idea for a man who will do all that he might to conceal useful information to the public. I realize that White, and Caroline Roemer-Shirley, and Leslie Jacobs will broadcast the 2013 RSD-NO results as Proof That the Reforms Are Working. However, the truth is in the spreadsheet I composed as part of this post. The “reforms” aren’t working. They require the choreographed release of a carefully guarded shaping of limited information in order to produce the veneer of success.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 10:49:49 +0000
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