Thursday, August 21, 2008
Published Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Education
Contributed Photo
Brittany Brown
1 point keeps student from getting diploma
The Times-Herald
Brittany Brown walked across the stage Friday night at Newnan High School's graduation ceremonies, although she knew she wouldn't be getting a diploma anytime soon.
The 18-year-old senior is among more than 100 students of Coweta's graduating high school classes who will instead receive a Certificate of Performance because she and the others failed one or more portions of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT).
While a lot of attention has focused this week on the math and social studies fiasco with the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) that were administered to elementary and middle schoolers, Brown and other high schoolers have been lamenting over the GHSGTs, another requisite of federal No Child Left Behind legislation.
It's bad enough not being promoted immediately to sixth or ninth grade because of a test score, but not being able to graduate from high school?
For Brown, an A/B student, and others like her, it means losing out on the HOPE scholarship, college acceptance this fall, housing deposits and getting dropped from parents' health and automobile insurance coverages because of their looming non-student status.
The GHSGT results for Brown were even more exacerbating because, for her, it came down to one point on the science portion, and this was after her multiple attempts to pass.
High schoolers have five opportunities to take the GHSGT, the first time when they're a junior. They can continue retesting on the sections they failed when the tests are offered until they pass that section.
Brown needed a 500 on the science portion, and scored 499 in one of the five retests. She passed the other areas of high school graduation testing in English/language arts, math, social studies and the writing test.
As a first time test taker, Brittany received 488 points out of 500. The second time, 490. Third time, 499, fourth time, 498 and this last time, 497 points.
"I cried every day," she said.
Of the 107 students who received or will receive Certificates of Performance this week, 100 failed the science section of the five-part graduation test, according to information provided by the Coweta Schools public information office.
While the high school senior remains extremely frustrated, so is the rest of her family including her grandmother Gerri Krueger who appealed to Gov. Sonny Perdue, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland and others.
Brittany's mother, Patricia Brown, has taken their appeal to the state Board of Education.
"So many things are hanging by this one single point," she said. "According to her guidance counselor at Newnan High School, there's nothing they can do. They have no authority. There's no review. Nothing. It's up to this one gentleman at the Georgia Board of Education."
After exhausting all resources -- including study sessions offered at the school, online tutoring as suggested by school counselors, private tutoring for four months at $25 a session with an advanced physics teacher and retesting at every opportunity -- Brittany Brown is left with this one last chance to get a diploma, a petition for a variance on the test score.
"I went to tutoring sessions with her. She's honestly trying to pass the stupid test. She wants to go to college. She knows the importance of education," Patricia Brown said.
The Browns said they had the option of requesting a waiver or variance, but understood that waivers are reserved for special education students so they requested a variance, but they feel it offers little hope for relief before the fall.
"Once we write a letter it goes back to the school, and the school sends it to the Central office. They review it, get the records together, and then send it on to the Georgia Board of Education where there's one gentleman who reviews all variances, which can take up to three months whether it's approved or not approved," Patricia Brown explained.
She added another parent and student, who are following this same route, have been waiting six months for a response from the state DOE.
The women also recently learned that obtaining a GED was also not an option. Patricia Brown was told since her daughter has satisfied all the credit requirements for graduation, she can only apply for a GED if she dropped out of school. The last day of school was Friday, but Brittany Brown's last day was Tuesday. She finished her last semester with all A's, thus was exempted from the finals the last few days of school.
She has 30 credits toward high school graduation, and she only required 28.
So Brittany Brown's college plans are, for now, at a complete standstill until she gets a diploma when she can't until she makes at least a 500 on that one test.
"She's disappointed," Patricia Brown said. "She wants her diploma. What good is a certificate of performance?"
The student attributes the problems with the science testing on the graduation tests to several factors and circumstances.
First, Brown transferred into Georgia from Florida schools in her sophomore year. She had about two years of science in Florida and two years in Georgia. In Florida, she started with a different science curriculum.
She explained Florida had different science requirements, mainly ninth grade students took integrated science versus the physical science course that ninth-graders in Georgia take.
"I think a big part of it is that I never took physical science," she said.
The school denied her request to take physical science when she entered Coweta's school system because it was a freshman class, she said.
"They said I can't go back, and said I had to take chemistry," she said.
Brittany ended up taking four high school science classes -- integrated science, biology, chemistry and physics in both states.
"In all my science classes through high school, I got A's," she said, but she credits the A's to her teachers in Georgia, and not the ones in Florida although she attended a charter school in Florida.
"I didn't have the best teachers in Florida, and in Newnan I had really good teachers," she said.
Secondly, the student feels there was something different with the testing or scoring this year over last year. She said it appeared more first-time takers were passing the test this year than they did when she first took it.
"Everyone I talked to this year, they said it was so easy, but it made me look like an idiot," Brittany Brown said.
Last year, first-time takers averaged about an 80 to 85 percent pass rate. This year the pass rate for the juniors is about 94 percent.
Connie Davis, Coweta School System director of testing and school improvement, said the Browns are right in their assessment that the tests are different.
She explained that Brown had apparently entered the science curriculum in Georgia during the time the state was transitioning from its Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) to its now more rigorous Georgia Performance Standard (GPS) curriculum.
During the first year of transition from QCC to GPS standards, students are tested based on QCC standards. In the second year, students are exposed to a hybrid version of both curriculums and tested likewise. The rollout and alignment between the curriculum and the testing is completed by the third year. By then, students have been completely taught under the new GPS curriculum and are, likewise, tested on it.
Brown apparently came into Coweta Schools during that hybrid, transition phase, but she should have also been given the same hybrid versions of the testing.
"The student doesn't want to take the test this year because it's a harder test based on a different curriculum than what she received," Davis said. "Whatever curriculum that they're taught is the one they are tested on. It's supposed to make it fair for them."
Finally, the teen-ager said she doesn't think she performs on tests well.
"I'm really bad at testing in the first place. I just freak out," she said.
But her mother disagrees, noting that's her daughter has made all A's this semester.
"Obviously, the kid can pass tests. I don't think they should be able to base whether a kid graduates on one test. That's just ridiculous. They need to take a look at the whole picture, and make sure that they did attend regularly, didn't skip school, didn't get in trouble and she didn't. She's a good kid, and you can't base everything in life on one test."
The GHSGT will be offered again in July, and Brittany Brown will be there to try it again because she really wants that diploma.
"I just look at it as I deserve it. I made A's and B's," she said. "I'm not going to beat myself down because of one stinking point."
Commenting on this story has ended.
Grammar and spelling on this test?
5/27/2008
I find it hard to be sympathetic to your cause. The abundance of spelling and grammatical errors in many of these comments, including yours, only serve to prove that there is a problem somewhere along the line in this system. If you are able to take this test beginning in your junior year, and you know it ahead of time, should you not make sure you are prepared before you take it? Or should the teachers be solely responsible?
Posted by SS at 3:14 PM
This Stupid Test
5/27/2008
Hi i'm the girl this article is about and thanks to all those people who understand what i am going through. to the poeple that think i should just hit the books harder let me just tell u something. i have worked very hard in high school, i deserve my diploma. i never took physical science the school denied me the course! i can do fine on a regular test in the class room but when i have a test in fornt of me that determines if i get my diploma or not, now thats a different story. so to all u people out there that think i'm making a big deal about this how about work your but off in high school and not get your diploma over ONE POINT!!!!!
Posted by Brittany Brown at 3:02 PM
Science
5/27/2008
I am now 23 yrs old. I had the same problem. The first time I took the test I made a 495 the second time I made a 499. I still have not recieved my diploma. They told me that there was nothing I could do except keep taking the test. I have a full-time job and I can't keep taking days off to go take this test.
Posted by Chrissy at 2:33 PM
Seriously?
5/27/2008
I was an average student that went to East Coweta. I passed the GHSGT in my sleep. Seriously, I would read a question, close my eyes, open them and not remember what I had just read. I still passed with either "meets" or "exceeds." It's not the GHSGT's fault at all, it's the school system we have here in Georgia. She got A's and B's but yet still can't retain the intormation or obviously something isn't clicking. "People don't test well." They would if they knew the information or are really lucky and have common sense with elimination skills. I'm sorry that she isn't graduating because of this but you think it is stupid because YOU or YOUR CHILD cannot pass it. I say that if you learned anything in class you should be able to pass the test. Final exams and tests like the GHSGT helped me pass and to graduate. I'm glad they were there. I think that these children should be left behind to get the help they need. Don't drag the rest of us down with you.
Posted by Class of 2006 at 1:49 PM
Test created to keep out minorities!
5/26/2008
Origanally this test was suppose to be a measuring stick to see what students learned over the course of four years. In the beginning it kept a lot of the blacks from graduating & going to college, because of the high science & social studies standards. If you failed the test that means no Hope Scholarship, no college. Test don't get harder in college to me college is a lot easier than high school. The Regents Test could be passed by a 4th grader. What has happened is the results have back fired on the state, because look at how many smart white students have failed even though they have met the critera. It's almost safe to say before letting your kid get a certificate to let them drop out get a GED then go to college.
Posted by Stacy Robinson at 3:15 PM
test taking
5/26/2008
My daughter took the test for the first time and didn't past the science part she a straight A student in science. She was very down on herself and took it very hard, but after she thought about it and reallize what she done wrong. She has been refreshing her mind on physical Science and she is determined to past this time. They also drop the score this year down to 200. I told her to block out the fact that teachers try to get you all nervous and do your best and thats all you can do. Get as much tutoring in physical Science that you can. Go in with a clear mind and ask God to help you and trust me he will. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD AND ONLY HIM I WILL TRUST.
Posted by J.T. at 11:25 AM
OUR KIDS
5/26/2008
not everyone is the same when testing no matter how smart you are,so layoff of those that failed it, they will probley have a higher paying job than thoes of you who want to bragg, anyway our kids are not trying to be the president of the UNITED STATES anyway if you are so smart why don`t you go do it.
Posted by K at 4:30 AM
Keep your head up Brittany
5/26/2008
I am sorry to see that you have been done this way. you keep your head up high you have done a great job, my daughter is in the eight grade and made all good grades but missed the math test by one point this is so wrong for you all,yall worked hard to keep up at your regular classes and sometime those that do not try and are trouble makers they pass them right on, this is not fair at all people we have to help our kids,STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR OUR KIDS RIGHTS~ GREAT JOB TO OUR GIRLS.
Posted by Kay H at 4:22 AM
ONE TEST
5/25/2008
ONE test shouldn't be the make it or break it. Some people aren't good at standarized tests....I didn't do that great on the ACT or SAT when that was all that was required, but my GPA was great and I worked hard and actually made the Dean's List in college and I have a BA. If I had to take the GHSGT back in the 90's, chances are, I wouldn't have passed either, but I am still intelligent and was able to graduate from Samford University! Give the girl her diploma and let her see how well she can make it in college!
Posted by Melanei at 10:42 PM
HS Testing
5/25/2008
I passed all of the tests the first time in 2005. What's the big deal?
Posted by Dolly at 10:10 PM
GHSGT
5/25/2008
I think the GHSGT is non-sense. I went through the same thing in 2001 not getting my diploma and had to take the test over and over until I passed it. It's not fair! I was a passing student all through high school until that test. It was very stressful. I think it shoud be taken out of the school.
Posted by Monica at 8:32 PM
H.S. Testing
5/25/2008
My daughter too, has yet to pass this stupid science test she graduated in 05, with a 3.4 grade point avaverage & perfect attendance.Because of this so called " No child left behind junk, my daughter still can't continue her education.All this rediculous law does is leave kids behind!
Posted by Meri at 5:11 PM
GHSGT
5/25/2008
What I don't understand is that, if she is an A/B student (which means she has to get A's and B's on her exams) why can she not pass this test? While I agree the GHSGT is useless, it is a minimal competency test; i.e. you should be able to pass it if you actually learned anything in class that got you an A or a B. I also have to agree that tests just get harder in college, especially at a good one. I've had to take some ridiculously hard exams at my school, and I highly doubt that my school would've accepted me had I not passed a minimal competency test (GHSGT) with distinction/honors or whatever the highest thing is. If she's an A/B student, she should have passed the first time. A failing grade is a failing grade, regardless of your performance.
Posted by c/o '06 NGHS at 4:16 PM
H.S Testing
5/25/2008
It's crazy. The school system is so worried about tests, more tests and even more tests beyond that. I'm sorry but thats not learning. Who comes up with all this anyways. Probably a way to get more tax payers money.
Posted by shelly at 4:06 PM
GHSGT are BS!!!
5/25/2008
These test are the stupidest test I had ever taken! I passed all but Science. That portion took me four tries. 499, 499, 499, then 501. I got all A's and B's in school also with a pass plus on the other thre portions. In my opinion 90% of the Science portion is what you learn in Physical Science in the 9th grade. And how many students remember what they learned almost 3 or 4 years ago? I had to retake the class I aleady passed as a Senior just to pass the Science oortion. Those test are complete BS! They need to give this bright young girl her diploma and throw these tests out and burn them! If this keeps up the parents wont stand for the schools to treat students like this and all hell will break lose! God knows if something like this happens to my daughter I will go physco! No wonder Georgia schools are one of the dumbest in America!
Posted by Brittany at 2:19 PM
test
5/25/2008
Some courses require 80% to pass. Not 79%. Are they suppose to pass me for 79%. I achieved 92% from hard work. Quit you whining and hit the books next time.
Posted by Sig at 2:15 PM
our family is in the same boat
5/25/2008
My daughter hasn't passed the science portion either. She is under special ed with an IEP in place but I've been told it can't be applied to the graduation test although test taking has been identified as one of her problem areas. Since her 9th grade, her high school has tried to get her to change to a tech prep diploma but she was convinced she could get a college prep diploma. She has passed all her classes but can't get her diploma until she passes the science graduation test. It just seems that the school system just tries to get the students to shoot low on their goals.
Posted by disappointed at 1:10 PM
4 time loser
5/25/2008
Of course she failed. The test is scored from 400 to 600, she got below 500 (thats 50% for the people with math problems) 4 times in a row. She obviously has problems and doesn't deserve to pass. The mentality of the people that say "oh go on, let her graduate anyway" are the ones responsible for US college students not being able to read, write or do basic math let alone do more complicated academic tasks.
Posted by non-hysterical-student at 12:54 PM
Wow
5/25/2008
As a test taker and first time passer I can realte to the anxiety she faces. The test should not determine your whole future. If colleges thought it was important they would ask for that, not your SAT or ACT. Might as well just give us the test and then if we pass forget going to class, half that stuff if common sense anyways...
Posted by Nick at 12:37 PM
please give this young lady her diploma
5/25/2008
please give this young lady her diploma she earned it. put your faith in the lord he will answer your prayer. just don't give up
Posted by a gray at 11:29 AM
taking test
5/25/2008
If she plans on attending college, she better get some help at test taking, they only will get harder in college.
Posted by jj at 9:32 AM
Test Has Too Much Power
5/25/2008
This student is obviously a very intelligent and hard working young lady. It is very wrong that one test is the deciding factor over whether someone graduates or not. It is especially apparent when someone has maintained such a high grade point average and is still not able to graduate. No test should have that much power. I pray Ms. Brown gets a positive decision from the state. I also pray they make a change where this test is concerned.
Posted by Teresa S. at 9:16 AM
ugh
5/25/2008
There is a work around and it is easy if the school were creative. Get the kid an IEP. Obviously she does not test well. Let her graduate with the SP ED diploma and then let her go to a 2 year school and then to a 4 year university. It sucks that no one would think outside the darn box here.
Posted by ugh at 6:38 AM
Testing
5/25/2008
This is just another glaring example of how our government's bureaucratic "no good deed goes unpunished" laws have impacted the education of the kids in this State.
Posted by Pam at 5:32 AM
Testing
5/24/2008
NO TEST IS A TRUE ASSESSMENT OF A PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE. As stated above, there are so many variances-tests are different, students have different studies, student has a bad day, student gets nervous, anxious at sight of test, teachers make intimidating comments, etc... No test should be a deciding factor in anything.
Posted by Theresa River at 12:50 AM
Test
5/24/2008
I sorry to hear about this. We need to look more into testing. Some people just don't test will.
Posted by Toni at 10:19 PM
My spellin errors
5/27/2008
I'm so mad at what some of these people are saying I didn't even care how I spelt my words.
Posted by Brittany Brown at 3:30 PM