Action 2 News has obtained a letter that went home Thursday to parents at Eisenhower Elementary School in Green Bay addressing an investigation into state standardized tests administered at the school last fall.
District and state documents indicate the principal at Eisenhower shared some actual test questions with teachers at the school, and those teachers then used some of the questions on practice tests.
That violates state rules for standardized testing.
The district says it investigated and sent its findings to the Department of Public Instruction.
Provided by the Green Bay Area Public School District
February 16, 2012
Dear Parents of Eisenhower Children,
You may have noticed that Eisenhower School has been in the news the past few days with regard to breaking security on administering the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE). We want to assure you that the entire Eisenhower staff works diligently to teach our students with the utmost of integrity. The focus at Eisenhower is on children and their learning. We both have been involved in education for many years, and assure you that the Eisenhower staff is top notch.
We want you to know that the district conducted an investigation and forwarded their findings to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, where it is still under investigation. We will continue to cooperate with the DPI and send a letter to you once this is resolved. There are things the district cannot talk about because of personnel matters, but test security is a serious issue. This does not and will not affect your child's education.
We'd like to thank staff for maintaining a warm, respect-filled learning environment; for planning and teaching excellent lessons in all subject areas; and for supporting and nurturing your children while teaching them to be good friends and responsible citizens of the Eisenhower community.
What has happened at Eisenhower with the WKCE test does not diminish your child's excellent education. This is one of many assessments used by educators to track student learning and we're proud of the gains your children have made over the years.
We hope you will remain proud of your child's learning and accomplishments, and proud, as well, of the Eisenhower staff that provides for your child's education.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school at 391-2420.
Sincerely
Rebecca L. Swanson
Interim Principal
Dr. Michelle S. Langenfeld
Superintendent
