In Dixon, teachers and the school board remain split on how to resolve a strike. Members of theDixon Education Association bargaining team walked out of contract talks Monday. The main sticking point is salary increases. As they two sides stand apart on a contract, students are supposed to be taking standardized tests.
Amanda Simhauser speaks for the Illinois State Board of Education. She says the Dixon School District has been granted an extension to administer the tests until March 22. 95% of students must take the exams to qualify for adequate yearly progress:
"One year's not going to have immediate repercussions, but if students don't perform well the next year, that could obviously impact what happens with the school's recognition." - Amanda Simhauser, ISBE
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The district says there is at least one immediate impact--losing state funding. The District says it will work with the state board of education to find ways to complete the tests.