KPI: Hats off to KSDE for putting info before public
Need for more work is clear with updated data |
October 1, 2012 - Wichita - Upon learning that the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) re-released 2011-2012 student achievement data, Kansas Policy Institute issued the following statement from president Dave Trabert; earlier today KSDE corrected a calculation error made with their original data release.
On KSDE fixing the error: "Kansans need good information on which to make good decisions, so hats off to KSDE for identifying this error and quickly publishing updated data. Every Kansas student should have access to an effective education and we have a ways to go to achieve that goal, but we now have a more accurate picture of where things stood during the last academic year."
On what the revised numbers show: "These achievement gaps are an unnecessary but tragic reality that will not go away with conventional thinking that more money is the answer. Kansans cannot allow additional generations of kids to suffer. It can only be taken as great news that the general trend is still positive, but it is not unusual to have very small declines following a year that shows above-average gains within certain cohorts.
"While it is good news that the general trend is positive, the fact remains that only 62% of all students can read grade-appropriate material with full comprehension according to KSDE. And the numbers are even lower for students of color; 45% for Hispanics and 37% for African Americans. Results like that makes clear we have a long way to go and need to look beyond 'just spend more' to give Kansas students the education they deserve."
On ways to increase achievement: "A system that rewards effective teachers, empowers parents, and gives children the opportunities to learn is within grasp. We now have the right data on which to assess where we are and chart a course forward with the individual student as the focus."
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Kansas Policy Institute is an independent think-tank that advocates for free market solutions and the protection of personal freedom for all Kansans. Our work centers on state and local economic policy with primary emphasis on education, fiscal policy and health care. We empower citizens, legislators and other government officials with objective research and creative ideas to promote a low-tax, pro-growth environment that preserves the ability of governments to provide high quality services. To speak with Kansas Policy Institute, please contact James Franko at (316) 634-0218.
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