State could measure school performance

The Education Committee heard testimony March 15 on a bill that would require the state Board of Education to establish an index to measure the performance of public schools.

LB635, introduced by York Sen. Greg Adams, would require the board to measure a school’s graduation rate, student growth and performance and other indicators established by the board.

Under the bill, a school that does not meet the minimum level of performance would be designated as a priority school. An intervention team, in collaboration with a priority school, would develop a progress plan, subject to board approval, that would outline specific actions a school must take in order to meet performance standards. A school that does not comply with their progress plan would lose its accreditation.

Federal standards have identified schools throughout the state as low performing schools, Adams said, but the measurement they used is “unfair” because not enough factors are taken into account. Instead of using one measurement to determine a school’s performance, he said, multiple measurements should be used to disaggregate data so the board can set growth models and realistic goals for low performing schools.

“We can develop a Nebraska model that deals with [low performing schools] better than a federal model would,” Adams said.

Mark Quandahl, member of the state Board of Education, testified in support of the bill, calling federal standards “inflexible” and not reflective of the state’s educational needs.

“We believe it is in the best interest of Nebraska to come up with our own standards and accountability,” Quandahl said.

Jay Sears of the Nebraska State Education Association also testified in support and said Nebraska educators understand the value of accountability in education systems. Sears said the bill provides the framework for Nebraska to develop a system that supports education, instruction and learning while closing achievement gaps.

No opposing testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.