STATEHOUSE – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today announced his appointments to a new panel charged with recommending a replacement for the ISTEP test.
Under a new law, the state’s troubled ISTEP test will be phased out by July 1, 2017, and a 23 member panel, a majority of whom are educators, will recommend a new, standardized test.
“The ISTEP test is a seriously damaged brand and has become an ongoing source of frustration among our students, educators and parents,” Bosma said. “While we need critical performance assessments, not having results of the test for eight months is simply inexcusable. I am confident this wellbalanced panel of educators is equipped to assess our best options and recommend a replacement to the General Assembly.”
Bosma appointed the following members to the panel, which will make recommendations before Dec. 1, 2016, to the General Assembly and governor:
Melissa Scherle, IPS Second Grade Teacher
Scherle has been an educator for 11 years and is a second grade teacher at Washington Irving Elementary in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) where she is a T3 (Turnaround Teacher Teams) Team Leader. In 2012, she was named Teacher of the Year at Washington Irving and a Top 10 Teacher at IPS. Scherle also serves on The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Education Council and as a volunteer with Back On My Feet Indianapolis.
Edward Rangel, Assistant Principal at Tindley Genesis
Prior to serving in his current role, Rangel was a fifth grade teacher at Key Learning Community in IPS and was a Teacher of the Year semifinalist in IPS. He is an alumnus of Teach for America’s 2012 Indianapolis Corps and spent two summers managing and developing teachers from Rhode Island, Washington, New York and Connecticut.
Dr. Scot Croner, Blackford County Schools Superintendent
Dr. Croner has served as a school administrator for over 10 years and prior to that, he served as an instructional coordinator, principal, assistant principal, dean of students and a math teacher. As superintendent, he played a key role in working with the board to set the mission, vision and goals for the school system.
Dr. Lynne Stallings, parent and professor at Ball State University
Dr. Stallings is a parent of two children who attend Muncie Community Schools and is an English professor at Ball State University. In 2012, she was 1 of 10 finalists for the Excellence in Teaching Nomination at Ball State. Stallings accomplishments include more than 10 published works, and many conference lectures and presentations.
Under House Enrolled Act 1395 (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/bills/house/1395#document788fe75f) , Speaker Bosma was required to appoint one teacher, principal, superintendent and parent of a student in elementary or secondary school to the panel. Bosma consulted with House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) on his panel selections. Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne), Gov. Mike Pence and Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz are also required to make appointments to the panel.
Video by: Steve Perry Enterprises
