PINEVILLE - Kentucky schools are going to have to deal with a number of changes in the accountability testing, in the coming academic year. The changes were approved by the Kentucky School Board of Education, in November. “This is quite a bit of work and imput that has come from different entities, superintendents, principals, teachers and the board made it's decision,” stated Pineville Schools Superintendent Mike White.

There are changes at both the elementary and high school levels that are significant that point the student toward graduation.

The state board has eliminated the norm record stand for the elementary. “They have also reduced the amount that the attendance rate will count on accountability. They have reduced the percent of indicators that they will have on the elementary scores as well as eliminated the norm record tests, equivalent to the former CTBS tests,” said Principal Paula Goodin.

Part of that test has been embedded in the KCTP. That test will go to 50 percent multiple choice and 50 percent will be open response.

There is an increase in testing scores in reading and math. The No Student Left Behind program has increased requirements in reading and math, and that has brought about changes in the reading and math tests.

There is a large change in the writing portfolio and writing prompt. There are now equal in percentage for students. “It used to be 11.4 percent of the writing core and the writing prompt was 2.85 percent. They are now equal at 7.25 percent of the writing score,” Goodin said.

The elementary school non-economic indicators have been reduced. There is more emphasis on multiple choice questions and less on open response. The weight of the non-academic indicators also have been reduced.

In high school the none non-academic indicators have increased. The drop-out and retention rates have been now included in graduation rate. “The emphasis on attendance has gone up,” Goodin said. The state is still keeping records on students who graduate, if they go on to college or not.

Changes also have been made in the ACT test. High school attendance will count five percent of the test. The GED test will be given to students who are in the eleventh grade. The ACT test taken in the eleventh grade, will be the one that goes on the students academic record. However, they will be able to take the test, on their own, at other times, as is now the case. Significantly, all students now will be taking the ACT test.