Education activists and a state lawmaker are irate over what they see as a lack of engagement from Gov. Jack Markell (D) over his latest partnership involving the controversial Smarter Balanced Assessment.
Most colleges and universities in the state agreed to use scores from the latest incarnation of Delaware’s standardized test in whether or not incoming students will need remedial classes.
Notice of a news conference announcing the new partnership was sent to legislators an hour before the event, sparking criticism from Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark South) and others activists opposed to the test.
"I find it quite offensive and disrespectful that this Governor is hosting a press event of such importance and so controversial with absolutely no forewarning of the General Assembly members," said Kowalko.
When asked about the notice, Markell says he’s not involved with planning the events, noting that he doesn't understand the backlash.
“I don’t see how this is a contentious issue at all," said Markell. "I mean, this is about how do you make it easier for students to make sure that when they get to college they don’t have to go through remedial classes.”
A small, but vocal group of educators and parents have been pushing for the General Assembly to allow students to opt-out of the test. A bill codifying that opt-out provision will get a hearing Wednesday.
Representatives from Delaware State University, Delaware Tech and Wilmington University joined University of Delaware President Patrick Harker and Markell in announcing the partnership Tuesday at the Perkins Student Center in Newark.
All insisted that Smarter Balanced and the Common Core State Standards from which it's derived are a boon for students preparing to head to college.
"The Common Core State Standards help chart a path that students can follow to reach those goals, and here at UD, we have to be clear about what we expect from those students," said Harker, noting that it's good for the K-12 system and colleges and universities.
"Most of all, it's good for students and their families who will know early and often where they stand on the path toward college or work."
Right now, incoming students have to take a placement exam the summer before going to campus to learn which classes they'll need to take as a freshman. Markell and others argue that isn't the optimal time to test a kid's knowledge as they could be distracted.
The partnership is a piece of the governor's push to prepare students to avoid costly remedial courses that don't count toward a degree, but that still cost money. More than half of 2012 public school graduates in Delaware were required to take those classes.
Last year, the state launched a pilot math program in the Laurel, Woodbridge and Brandywine School Districts allowing students who earn a 77 percent or better to skip remedial courses at Delaware institutions.
UD and DSU implemented stricter standards for using the test scores than others.
Those who earn a three out of four on the Smarter Balanced math test will also need a B their senior year in either Algebra II or a tougher class to avoid extra work in college.
A three out of four in English also allows them to enroll straight into credit-bearing courses.
Wesley College has not signed on to the plan, but say they are exploring the option.
19 states and territories currently use Smarter Balanced, but school officials say scores from outside Delaware won't apply to this program initially.
