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February 24, 2017
CONTACT: Nate Davis
Assistant Superintendent
nsdavis@msddecatur.k12.in.us
317-856-5265
MSD of Decatur Students Will Take ISTEP Via Paper and Pencil
The MSD of Decatur Township has made the decision to have students take the ISTEP assessment using paper and pencil, versus online, for the first session of ISTEP during the 2017-2018 school year. This decision has been made after the Pearson TestNav Application showed volatility during both testing trials within the district. The district worked vigorously to resolve the issues throughout the online trial sessions with Pearson, which resulted in breakdowns that disrupted trial exams and the students’ testing environment. Pearson was unable to make the necessary updates to create an efficient and effective testing environment.
The Pearson TestNav application is developed and created by Pearson to operate the ISTEP on iPad devices. This software solution has shown to not be operating effectively within the district’s trial exams. District officials contacted Pearson. Pearson was unable to resolve the issue in a timely manner, which would allow the district to be adequately prepared to administer testing with a high degree of reliability.
The MSD of Decatur Technology Department, as well as district leadership, believes this is a “software” issue, being the Pearson TestNav Application. We strongly believe it is not a “hardware” issue, the Apple iPad. The MSD of Decatur appreciates the support of the Indiana Department of Education with their help to rectify the situation. Testing dates will be communicated by each school building’s administration.
We believe this decision will provide our students with the best opportunity to be successful during the first testing session of ISTEP. Thank you for your support and for always being Decatur Proud.
Please address any questions to me (nsdavis@msddecatur.k12.in.us).