“Through an in-depth study comparing individual state assessment results with ACT scores, AP coursework, dual credit, graduation rates and postsecondary outcomes, educators found that previous performance levels did not accurately reflect student readiness.
“Misalignment penalized students unfairly. Only about one in four Kansas high school students scored at Level 3 or 4 on state assessments, yet more than half went on to succeed in college or career pathways. Many students were told they were not ‘proficient’ when they were, in fact, thriving.
“Kansas assessment cut scores were out of step nationally. In many cases, students had to score in the top 25% nationally to be labeled “proficient” in Kansas. Educators noted examples of students at Level 2 on state assessments earning ACT scores of 22 – an inconsistency that eroded trust in the system.”
Originally posted to Facebook on 8/17/25.