State Proposes New School Assessment System

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - State Education Secretary Melody Schopp says
South Dakota has proposed a new system for assessing school
performance to replace the federal school improvement law known as
No Child Left Behind.
     Schopp says the proposed new system would not only qualify South
Dakota for a waiver from the current federal program, but also
would provide a long-term method of holding schools accountable
after Congress makes changes in the education law.
     Schopp says the proposed new system would use five factors to
give a better assessment of how well schools are performing. It
would measure student proficiency, student growth, students'
readiness for college or jobs, the effectiveness of teachers and
administrators, and community assessments of schools.
     After making final changes, the state will seek federal approval
for the new system in February.