Principal Resigns For Giving Students Second Chance At CSAP Test
Principal Allowed Some Students To Re-Take Reading Tests
A Colorado Springs elementary school principal has resigned after admitting that he allowed students a second chance at completing their CSAP tests.
Tim Heydt, the principal at Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School resigned Monday. He said that he had gone through the reading tests of nearly a dozen third-and fourth-grade students and called them into his office. He allowed them to answer questions they had not answered during the test period.
As a result, their reading tests results will be thrown out, dragging down the school's overall score. Woodmen-Roberts had been one of the highest-achieving schools in Academy District 20.
"I have taken full responsibility for incorrectly handling the 3rd and 4th grade CSAP tests last week," said Heydt.
"The net result will be a disappointing CSAP average score for the school in reading in those grades. It is because of this semblance of impropriety that I feel it is in the best interest of the school I step aside as your principal," Heydt said in a letter
to parents.
Donna Chadd, former longtime principal of District 11's Ivywild Elementary School, was named interim principal.
School board members on Monday downplayed Heydt's actions but
supported his decision to resign.
"I don't think Tim made a grievous error," said Rich Valorose, vice president of the board.
"I know he didn't do anything intentionally ... but you always have to look at what's best for the kids."
Many parents voiced discontent at losing their principal.
"I feel it was a great loss to the community over a minor infraction that turns out to be a judgment call," Melissa MacGuire said.
Parents are concerned the school may suffer, but blamed the
nature of the CSAPs for creating a high-pressure environment.
"We're frustrated with (lower scores)," said Kim Ridings, who
has three children who attend Woodmen-Roberts. "It's a whole
unfortunate situation.
"I'm concerned about the pressure these tests put on
administrators. It might make them do things they wouldn't
otherwise do."
Under Gov. Bill Owens' education plan, Colorado schools this year will be
evaluated on how well students perform. Schools receiving failing
grades will be given three years to improve or be placed under new
management.
A Greeley teacher was suspended for six days last month for refusing to
give the tests to his students. Students at a Boulder high school
demonstrated against the tests last week.
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Tim Heydt, the principal at Woodmen-Roberts Elementary School resigned Monday. He said that he had gone through the reading tests of nearly a dozen third-and fourth-grade students and called them into his office. He allowed them to answer questions they had not answered during the test period.
As a result, their reading tests results will be thrown out, dragging down the school's overall score. Woodmen-Roberts had been one of the highest-achieving schools in Academy District 20.
"I have taken full responsibility for incorrectly handling the 3rd and 4th grade CSAP tests last week," said Heydt.
"The net result will be a disappointing CSAP average score for the school in reading in those grades. It is because of this semblance of impropriety that I feel it is in the best interest of the school I step aside as your principal," Heydt said in a letter
to parents.
Donna Chadd, former longtime principal of District 11's Ivywild Elementary School, was named interim principal.
School board members on Monday downplayed Heydt's actions but
supported his decision to resign.
"I don't think Tim made a grievous error," said Rich Valorose, vice president of the board.
"I know he didn't do anything intentionally ... but you always have to look at what's best for the kids."
Many parents voiced discontent at losing their principal.
"I feel it was a great loss to the community over a minor infraction that turns out to be a judgment call," Melissa MacGuire said.
Parents are concerned the school may suffer, but blamed the
nature of the CSAPs for creating a high-pressure environment.
"We're frustrated with (lower scores)," said Kim Ridings, who
has three children who attend Woodmen-Roberts. "It's a whole
unfortunate situation.
"I'm concerned about the pressure these tests put on
administrators. It might make them do things they wouldn't
otherwise do."
Under Gov. Bill Owens' education plan, Colorado schools this year will be
evaluated on how well students perform. Schools receiving failing
grades will be given three years to improve or be placed under new
management.
A Greeley teacher was suspended for six days last month for refusing to
give the tests to his students. Students at a Boulder high school
demonstrated against the tests last week.
- February 6, 2001: Sample CSAP Testing For Adults Underway
- January 18, 2001: Parents Take CSAP Test
Copyright 2005 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
