Linares: Educators prefer state test over NCLB because of emphasis on same-student progress

Tooele County schools are making better progress in the eyes of the state than in the eyes of the federal government.

While six Tooele County schools did not make adequate yearly progress according to federal No Child Left Behind standards this year, only three schools did not pass the state’s Performance Assessment System for Students (U-PASS).

Anna Smith and Middle Canyon Elementary Schools failed both AYP and U-PASS. Grantsville Elementary passed AYP on appeal of math scores. While Grantsville Elementary scored “proficient” in math on U-PASS, it failed proficiency in two subgroups — economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

Overlake, Stansbury, and Vernon elementaries tied for the top overall whole school proficiency with a score of 87.

To receive a passing U-PASS score, a school must first have 95 percent of its students participate in taking the tests. Then, for high schools, the whole school must score an 80 percent proficient rating on a composite score that includes the results of tests in math, science, and language arts, along with scores reflecting attendance and graduation rates. For schools without a 12th grade, the whole school proficiency score must be 75 percent, and is composed of math, science, language arts and attendance.

To pass, the school must also receive a passing score for its subgroups.

If either the whole school or any subgroup does not pass, the school may still be rated as passing if the progress rating is at least 190 for high schools and 180 for other schools. The progress rating is a complicated formula based upon examining the achievement levels of the same students from one year to the next.

While the AYP and U-PASS scores make use of the same criterion referenced tests, which measure mastery of the state core curriculum, the two measurement systems have two major differences. U-PASS compares the progress of the same individual students from year to year. AYP compares this year’s grade to last year’s grade.

U-PASS, while measuring subgroups, will allow a school to pass if the majority of subgroups pass. In AYP, if one subgroup fails, the whole school fails.

“Most educators prefer the U-PASS as it measures individual student performance from year to year,” said Terry Linares, Tooele County School District superintendent.

“We will continue to examine both AYP and U-PASS data results to best serve the needs of students and teachers,” Linares said.

Tim Gillie: tgillie@tooeletranscript.com