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Wednesday, June 25,1997
U N I V E R S I T Y D A I L Y K A N S A N
WEATHER
Chance for thunderstorms.
THURSDAY
Mostly sunny with a few clouds.
FRIDAY
Mostly sunny with a few clouds.
Education loses $800,000
Contract to create assessment tests is not renewed
By Rebecca Osladil
Kansan staff writer
A decision by the Kansas State Board of Education not to renew a contract with the University of Kansas could result in a loss of jobs and a diminished role for the University in assessing statewide education standards.
The board recently voted not to renew an $800,000 contract with the School of Education to develop and administer assessment tests to primary and secondary students.
"It's not that we are doing a bad job making the tests,it's just that the board wants to change the blueprints."
"If there aren't grants to replace it, then some staff positions may be eliminated," said John Poggio, associate dean of education administration. "But right now this just means we have that much less money to work with. We will just go look for grants in other places."
"State curriculum standards are blueprint," Poggio said. "It's
Poggio said the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation had created and administered assessment tests for the state's schools since 1980.
Associate dean for graduate studies
John Poggio
not that we are doing a bad job making the tests, it's just that the board wants to change the blueprints."
The board wants to change the purpose, focus and methodology of the tests, Poggio said.
He said board members wanted the exams to test basic skills so that the board could monitor students' academic progress. He said board members wanted to limit the tests to a multiple-choice format.
But the test developed by the center evaluated students' problem-solving skills and ability to incorporate information with essay questions, scientific experiments and more complex math problems.
"These are the kinds of skills people will be looking for in the students when they go to get
jobs," Poggio said.
The federal government requires each state to measure student-achievement levels. The tests are given as part of the school-accreditation system
The board has not determined how students will be tested next year, but the board is scheduled to discuss assessment testing on July 8 and 9, said Karen Gallagher, dean of education administration.
roggio said that the board had discussed buying a standard multiple-choice test, which would not be designed for the Kansas curriculum.
"It is highly improbable that they could find something which would measure the state curriculum standards," Poggio said. "We individualize the tests for the students based on the curriculum standards which the board sets."
The center had planned to begin designing the tests this week.
Alumnus rises to new post
New vice chancellor holds KU bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees
By Una Hart
Kansan staff writer
The new assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Information Services bleeds crimson and blue.
Richard L. McKinney graduated from the University of Kansas in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in computer science. He then completed a master's degree in business and a doctorate in educational policy and leadership — both while working at the University as a research assistant, which he began doing in 1982.
His new responsibilities as assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Information Services will begin July 1. McKinney has been director of the Office of Budget Management and Fiscal Services since 1991.
"It is one of those neat things that just comes along, and I'm very excited," McKinney said.
McKinney will be responsible for administrative computing operations, networking and telecommunications and KU Printing Services.
Richard McKinnev
McKinney said he hoped that there would be no glitches in the transition to his new job. He will concentrate his efforts on payroll and student records.
"I want to ensure that we maintain our present services, because that is what the University community needs and deserves."
"The people at KU are topnotch." McKinney, said
"They are dedicated to their jobs. That has made my work a joy, and it continues to be a joy."
William J. Crowe, vice chancellor for information services, said McKinney's appointment was the result of administrative restructuring.
Having been employed at the University for the last 15 years and attending the University has a given McKinney a unique understanding of information services, Crowe said.
"He identifies with our customers and with our staff, and he identifies with our philosophy of respect and value for each and every employee," Crowe said.
McKinney will replace Jerry Niebaum, who has been executive director of information technology services since 1994.
www.kansan.com
The University Daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. The first copy is paid through the student activity fee.Additional copies of the Kansan are 25 cents.
A new feature has just been added to the UDK! If you've ever needed to find out more from one of the many local businesses that advertise in the Kansan, visit the Business Listings site. It's one of the gold buttons on the homepage. By going to it, you can look for a business based on the products they sell (such as a font for that special someone) or a specific name. Another virtual service of your UDK!.
The University Daily Kansan (USPS 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan, 60405, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and Wednesday during the summer session. Periodical postage is paid in Lawrence, Kan, 60404. Annual subscriptions by mail are $120. Student subscriptions of $1.68 are paid through the student activity fee. Postmaster: Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 60405.
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