The “debacle” that was TNReady testing this spring was among reports at the monthly meeting tonight (5.7.18) for the Lakeland School Board (LSB).
Categorized by Board Member Geoff Hicks as a debacle, the State-required testing was flawed for the third year with failures and problems daily including a cyberattack this year.
“Legislators met feverishly to pass a bill that would hold students, teachers and districts harmless and it’s waiting for the Governor to sign,” said Mr. Hicks. “But the testing was very unpleasant to say the least.”
Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System (LSS) superintendent, said, “Long story short – the system failed. The online system for TNReady did not work just about any day.”
He said there was one relatively smooth day but every single day there were problems. The testing started April 16 and was delayed by one problem after another. LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) used the online platform with daily problems. LES (Lakeland Elementary School) used pen and paper tests with fewer issues than LMPS.
“I want to be clear,” said Dr. Horrell. “The testing is valuable.” He said it helps the System keep up with how students are doing and allows comparisons of Lakeland students to other districts. “However, we can’t use this data to judge schools, students or teachers. We have to take the data with a grain of salt.”
Dr. Horrell said LSS has been very vocal with the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Legislature. He commented both have been very responsive. School Board Chair Kevin Floyd sent a letter April 17 to Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Candice McQueen and Gov. Bill Haslam, expressing his disappointment and frustration.
On April 18, Dr. Horrell spoke to the Government Operations and Joint House Education Committee meeting advocating on behalf of not only the Lakeland School System but school systems across the state that have experienced the debacle that is TNReady testing this year, according to Laura Harrison, vice chair of the LSB.
Dr. Horrell said the tests will not count against students and LMPS will not receive a report card grade, nor will other schools in Tennessee. He is hoping to find out how the testing will impact teachers. And finally, he said, LSS will get the date and share with the public.
Board members praised LSS administration and staff. “They had their feet on the ground in the heat of the moment,” she said. “The Board appreciates their efforts and the poor students trudged through.”
Work session agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/5.7.18-Work-Session-Agenda.pdf
Communications Coordinator
A second heavily discussed topic was hiring a communications coordinator for LSS. Mr. Hicks said he is proud of what has been accomplished this first year of the middle school. But he feels that particularly at the middle school, communications has not always been effective. He recommended hiring a part-time person to help effectively communicate with parents and students.
Dr. Horrell acknowledged that numerous parents don’t understand Schoology or have codes to access groups or how to get the codes.
Vice Chair Harrison suggested, “We should get our house in order before this position. We don’t have our procedures down yet to call it a failure.”
Board Member Kelley Hale was unable to attend the meeting but sent a prepared statement noting she was not ready to fill such a position.
That item, number six under discussion, will be on the regular agenda at the business meeting May 14.
Superintendent’s report
- Dr. Horrell said the construction manager is putting out individual bids for the athletic fields at LMPS. The project is expected to include lighted football and soccer fields and parking. Once bids are received, decisions will be made on adding other aspects to the facility like field houses, restrooms and concessions. “This is not going to be a stadium. It is not a fully developed package there.”
- The expansion at LES went to bid May 4 with bid opening May 24.
- Tower Ventures needs 30 days for federal approval on the cell tower to be built at LES. Dr. Horrell said he thinks they can complete the project this summer. It takes three weeks max, he said.
Discussion
Going to the consent agenda were FY18-19 budget amendments, 2019-20 instructional calendar, 18-19 Board calendar, vacation and holidays, cheer booster, internal control manual and uniform grants guidance.
Sent to the regular agenda were amended salary schedules, FY 18-19 school fees and the communications coordinator.
Links to some of the discussion items
Proposed 2019-20 instructional calendar: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2019-2020-Instructional-Calendar-Proposed-5.1.18.pdf
Proposed 2018-19 School Board calendar: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018-2019-LSS-Board-Calendar-Proposed.pdf
2018-19 salary schedules: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018-19-LSS-Salary-Schedules-ALL-Positions-UPDATED-5.7.18.pdf
2018-19 fee schedule: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LSS-Fees-List-2018-19-1.pdf
… Photo by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
