Section+14+Group+2

The response to this test was huge and the heat surrounding the argument about standardized testing was raised as more and more people showed their concern for state issued tests and their results. Since there was already so much concern about the increase of test scores but the decrease in the quality of schools, the results of this test seemed to prove to some people that the tests proved the fact that increased scores does not always mean an increase in the quality of schools.
 * Benchmark:** NYS response to NCLB Federal Legislation with ELA testing
 * Basic Summary of Benchmark**: No Child Left Behind was passed in 1999 basically as a way to hold each state accountable for maintaining quality educational standards. In 2005 New York State responded to NCLB with mandatory English Language Arts Tests (ELA) for grades 3-8 and high school. Prior to this there were other tests, such as CAT tests and PEP tests, but the ELA tests hold each individual school accountable for every student. The students can get a grade between 1 and 4. There are goals set each year and a school must reach these goals otherwise face consequences such as losing grant money for the school.
 * Key Personal**: Some other the important figures are Richard Mills (the Commissioner of the Education Department in NYS), David Abrams (Assistant Commissioner for Standards, Assessments and Reporting), Dr. Martha Musser (Coordinator Information Reporting Services), and Ira Schwartz (Coordinator NYSED Office of School Improvement and Community Services). These people make sure all schools in NYS are in compliance with Federal Laws and help/helped make ELA testing a reality.
 * Key manifestations:** When this test was first created, it brought about a lot of doubt in its results. Throughout the history of standardized testing there have been flaws and this test was no exception. Robert J. Tobias had to write a testimony to the State of New York to prove that the scores were indeed valid.
 * Why a benchmark:**

Some links... [|www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts] [|www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa] (This one is interesting if you scroll to the bottom and click on School Report Cards under Resources/Publications. You can find all sorts of data like average test scores, demographics, and graduation rates for the high school you graduated from.Also, you can see what you're getting yourself into by checking up on a school you may work in.)