State to consider making changes to PACT tests
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Students may see the last of PACT and a different grading scale for tests as state lawmakers consider revising the 10-year-old school accountability law.

State Rep. Bob Walker introduced a bill Wednesday that would create a new test for students in grades 3-8 and change the test grading scale used to meet federal No Child Left Behind accountability requirements.

The bill proposes students take a multiple choice yearend test called the Elementary and Middle School Assessment Program (EMSAP) beginning in 2010. A separate writing test would be given in early spring to replace the short answer questions on the current Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT).

Educators have long complained PACT does not provide teachers with enough information about student needs. South Carolina's definition of proficiency is higher than other states, making it more difficult for its schools to meet Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind.

The House Education subcommittee will meet Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed school accountability changes.

The bill could be forwarded to the House Education and Public Works committee by mid-week, said Walker, chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee. House members could start debate on the bill in mid- February.

"We heard from teachers, educators and parents that the school accountability system needed to be refined and reformed," Walker said. "We wanted to keep the rigor and high academic standards of our school accountability law."

No changes are proposed in how schools are graded on report cards. It would change how student test scores are reported.

Scores are currently reported on four levels - below basic, basic, proficient and advanced. The new scale would report student scores as either below grade level, at grade level, or exemplary.

A student on grade level would meet the national standard for proficiency, Walker said. No Child Left Behind requires all students score proficient by 2014.

"Yes, there will be more children meeting proficiency. But why should we be penalized because our standards are tough?" Walker asked. "This (new scale) will place us on the same level playing field as other states. We have been behind the eight ball with No Child Left Behind."

Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James has followed the bill's progress through several drafts. He currently chairs a superintendent committee with the 10-district Olde English education consortium.

James said he feels comfortable with some of the proposed changes to school accountability.

"I think most parents want to know whether their child is performing on their grade level," James said.

James said he is not in favor of the accountability bill's call for more testing in science and social studies. The bill requires an end of year test in U.S. History.

This proposal goes against efforts by a state accountability task force recommendation to spend less time on testing in school.

"There is already a great amount of time spent on testing," James said.