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Pasco School Board opts for letter to state officials on testing concerns

 
Steve Luikart says tests are too long for elementary students.
Steve Luikart says tests are too long for elementary students.
Published Dec. 18, 2014

LAND O'LAKES — The Pasco County School Board won't be sending a resolution to state leaders calling for a delay of the consequences associated with Florida's accountability testing.

Board members decided Tuesday night to write a letter detailing their concerns, instead.

"We do have the attention of our legislators now," said board member Alison Crumbley, who recently met with local lawmakers to talk about testing. "Maybe the resolution might not have the impact we are intending."

Crumbley and other board members, who had signaled early support for a formal position paper, suggested that so many other boards and organizations had adopted resolutions that another might not matter.

"One more resolution might not be the way to go," Vice Chairwoman Joanne Hurley said.

A letter could contain the same message: that the board backs a two-year transition to new Florida Standards Assessments, but in the spirit of cooperation, board member Cynthia Armstrong said.

"I always prefer to work collaboratively with the lawmakers," she said. "We seem to get more done."

Members of the audience at the board meeting encouraged the board to act decisively on the testing issue, which had been the subject of discussion for more than a month.

"I need for you guys to speak for my students at the state level," River Ridge Middle School algebra teacher Kerry Saddler told the board. "I am asking you tonight: Are you doing what is best for my students?"

United School Employees of Pasco president Kenny Blankenship said Saddler is far from alone in her concerns. The union office has received many calls from teachers worried about the state tests, which they have yet to see, and how they will be used, Blankenship said.

As they discussed the letter, board members continued to add reasons why Florida's current testing scenario troubled them.

Board member Allen Altman wanted a section added to mention Saddler's complaint that she lacked adequate details and preparation to get her students ready for the revised algebra end-of-course exam.

Chairman Steve Luikart asked for a reference to his view that the new Florida Standards Assessments seem too long for elementary-age children, at 80 minutes per sitting.

"I've got grandkids, and I know they're not going to give their best for 80 minutes," Luikart said.

After offering some amendments to a draft letter, the board unanimously approved sending it to Gov. Rick Scott, key legislative leaders and the state school boards and superintendent associations.

In it, they make clear that the interested parties all have to work together for the good of the students and the schools.

"We want to work with our state leaders to restore the public's confidence in Florida's accountability system," the letter states. "We are confident that our Governor and Legislature share our desire to give professional educators flexibility in delivering instruction while holding them accountable for student outcomes."

Staff members said they would revise the draft and have the letter in the mail by Friday.

Contact Jeffrey S. Solochek at jsolochek@tampabay.com or (813) 909-4614. Follow @jeffsolochek.