ISTEP review panel’s leader says exam is ‘just too long’

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The leader of a new state panel says it will be doing a deep analysis to recommend a replacement for Indiana’s unpopular ISTEP student exam.

Nicole Fama is a principal in the Indianapolis Public Schools and was appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence as chairwoman of the 23-member committee. Other members include Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz, legislators and educators from traditional public and charter schools.

Fama tells The Indianapolis Star that the standardized exam is “just tool long” and that the panel will look at all options for a new test starting with the 2017-18 school year.

Other committee members say they’re worried about deciding on test recommendations by a December deadline set by legislators.