CSAP was first legislated in 2000 by then Governor Owens. During that time it was decided that a "no score" of -.05 would be averaged into the summary scores for each school in order to determine the school accountability rating (SAR). Over the past three years, Representative Judy Solano has sponsored a bill that would only count the scores of the students who actually took CSAP tests, improving the accuracy of reported results. In two of the previous years the bill passed the House and was killed in the Senate. Ironically it was the same year that my daughter's fourth grade classes had all of their writing tests invalidated for an honest mistake in test administration, forcing the entire school into a lower rating. Whether intended or unintended, this is the outcome of high-stakes testing and a failed accountability system. For the school year 2010 there is no negative penalty. Colorado is following federal guidelines in calculating the data. With No Child Left Behind hanging in the renewal process, it is unclear what those guidelines will be and when they will be published.

Bad education policies are what hurt schools. Complying with those bad policies, doesn't change them. If you don't agree with CSAP, tell your legislative representative and the candidates for Governor. And don’t tell them just once; tell them ten times per year (phone, e-mail, letters, and personal contact). It's also important to begin informing the media sources: newspaper, television, and radio. We really do live in a country where we can influence public policy, if the political will exists.