Bills signed by governor address ISTEP problems but ignore roots of those problems, says Rep. Vernon G. Smith

INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said the early passage of two major education bills which he co-authored and co-sponsored, has been a bittersweet experience.

“It is like eating sweet and sour soup,” reflected Rep. Smith. “The bills dealt with major problems, but ignored the consequences of ISTEP, which is the root of the catastrophe that Indiana schools have been experiencing. This legislative soup is sweet and sour at the same time.

“Success in the legislative process is the art of compromise and that is why I agreed to be the co-author and co-sponsor of these bills,” explained Rep. Smith, who is the ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee.

“I felt it was better to get relief for teachers and schools, then to oppose the legislation. There are some good attributes in both bills, but we must continue to work to solve the deeper concerns that are causing problems in education.

House Bill (HB) 1003 is a teacher evaluation bill, which holds educators “harmless” because of the problems with ISTEP that resulted in low test scores throughout the state. Senate Bill (SB) 200 dealt with measuring school and school corporation performance. It essentially holds schools “harmless” because of the ISTEP issues. Gov. Pence signed both bills into law during a Thursday afternoon ceremony.

“The 2015 ISTEP test was flawed,” said Rep. Smith, who is the former acting education dean and an education professor at Indiana University Northwest.

“The standards are constantly changing. Educators are trying to do a good job, but the test is a moving target. Teachers and schools are caught in a catch-22 situation. I have specific concerns about these proposals, especially SB 200. One is that the legislation does not stop the timeline in the takeover cycle, so schools, through no fault of their own, remain on this conveyor belt carrying them toward the state’s designated ‘official failure.’

“Another concern is that the more than 100 schools with ‘failing’ grades, because of the flawed ISTEP test, may see an exodus of students using vouchers,” he continued.

“It sincerely could open the floodgates of students leaving public schools that are victims of ISTEP. We can do better as a state and we must. While I am happy the General Assembly addressed some the issues facing testing in Indiana, we are treating only half the ailment. It is like giving a partial dosage of medicine, which will not cure the problem.

“Ultimately, we need to explore other tests and find the best one that meets the needs of Indiana’s schools,” added Rep. Smith. “In addition, there needs to be a whole list of evaluations for students rather than relying on just one test. Let’s cure the problems facing education, instead of giving the state’s schools a placebo.”