Winter weather occurring earlier this week affected schools in more ways than canceling classes.
The wintry mix that descended on the area also delayed ISTEP testing for several schools. The ISTEP test has been discussed for some time in the General Assembly with reforms to the test approved by lawmakers.
Along with those reforms, the Indiana Department of Education recently issued guidance to local schools that shorten test times. Test questions were limited in response to repeated requests to shorten time spent on standardized testing.
ISTEP testing was delayed at Knox Middle School. Oregon-Davis delayed their testing dates by one day, as did North Judson. Culver School Corporation and Eastern Pulaski Schools also pushed their ISTEP testing back by a day.
Schools are not necessarily considering the change in schedule a big inconvenience.
According to Oregon-Davis Superintendent Greg Briles, individual school corporations have a window to complete ISTEP testing. North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Lynn Johnson says she believes student performance will be affected little given the adjustment.
A window allows testing in the case of missed days for the school corporation as a whole, but also individual students who may have missed ISTEP testing due to illness or other absences.
Testing is expected to continue this week.
