INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): An investigation into this year's ISTEP tests is done…

And the Indiana Department of Education says there was no evidence found supporting the allegation that student scores were negatively impacted by test-giver CTB's scoring process, also finding no evidence that students were erroneously given a lower score on the spring test, despite a big drop in student performance this year. 

“I am pleased that independent assessment experts found no evidence that the scoring process used by CTB McGraw-Hill negatively impacted student scores,” State Superintendent Glenda Ritz says. “Unfortunately, due to the high-stakes nature of the ISTEP assessment, any doubt about testing validity causes a ripple effect through our schools and our communities.I still firmly believe that the 2015 ISTEP results should not be used to penalize teachers or schools.  Now more than ever, it is imperative that Indiana legislative and education leadership support a hold harmless approach for our teachers and our schools.  Holding our teachers and schools harmless will allow us to recognize the great work of educators and schools that saw ISTEP scores improve, while also giving much needed flexibility to those that saw a drop in scores due to the state’s move to more rigorous standards.”