Why HSA projects are easier to pass than tests
In my story today for The Sun's Closeup section, I went into a bit more detail than we have previously about these Bridge projects that students can do if they can't pass one or more HSAs. So far, it seems, many students are having an easier time submitting an acceptable project than they are passing a three-hour test. In Baltimore, officials believe that the seniors who don't graduate this year will be held back for reasons other than the HSA requirement.
Of 298 projects submitted in the city between August and November, the pass rate was 62 percent: 84 percent in algebra, 68 percent in English, 75 percent in biology and 20 percent in government. But officials say they've had extensive professional development for government teachers this fall, and they expect that the pass rate (in government and overall) went up significantly for the 880 (total) projects submitted in December.
There are many reasons it might be easier to pass a project than an exam. Besides the fact that a project doesn't have to be done in one sitting, adults are supervising the work to make sure the students are following the correct steps. If a project is deemed unacceptable, a student needs only to redo the portion of the project that was unacceptable, whereas students who fail a test must retake the whole thing.
Not being an Algebra 1, English 2, American government or biology teacher myself, I was interested to read the sample projects available on this Web site.
Categories: Around the Region, Baltimore City
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Comments
Unfortunately, I think once students realize how easy it is to complete these projects they will not take the HSAs seriously. I have spent many hours in professional development on these bridge projects. The students have a large amount of time to complete them, teachers and project monitors to help them, and almost identical mirror projects to basically copy from. When the HSAs were mandatory to take but not mandatory to pass, many students wrote their names on the test and took a 3 hour nap. I feel that the same thing will happen because the students will know that all they have to do is complete a few very easy projects during their senior year.
Posted by: Edward | January 4, 2009 4:56 PM
I have to agree with Edward. I teach English II, and these projects are ridiculously easy compared to the test.
For Example:
"Using the theme statement (Form C) for “Birdfoot’s Grampa” as a model, complete Form E five times by writing a theme statement for each of your 5 poems."
In other words, create 5 theme statements for 5 poems.
That question would never appear on an HSA exam, and furthermore is a question I have used for a 5 minute warm-up after my students have learned theme & theme statements. Once the kids figure out how easy these are, test scores will take a significant dive.
Posted by: Brandon | January 5, 2009 9:17 AM