You’ve read what I have to say about Rigor and High Standards, yes?  If not, start here.

The State of Indiana, in their infinite wisdom, has had the ISTEP test redone for this year.  And they have let us know that this one will involve High Standards!  And Rigor!  Lots of Rigor!  You can sprinkle it on stuff, like cinnamon sugar.

We take three practice tests over the course of the year so that we can get some idea of who might pass the ISTEP, because there are no other ways to figure that out other than testing.

The results of the second test are (mostly) in, and I’ve been looking at them all week.

Currently perhaps a dozen students in my building are expected to pass the ISTEP.  In the building.

That is not a typo or an exaggeration.  Historically we’ve been passing, oh, 70% of our kids or so, give or take a couple standard deviations.

But, hey, what do you want us to do?  Make excuses?