The Primary Benchmark Exam (Grade 4), the Intermediate Benchmark Exam (Grade 6), and the Middle Level Benchmark Exam (Grade 8) will be given April 8-12, 2002. The End of Course Literacy Exam (Grade 11) will occur on April 10 and 11, 2002. The End of Course Algebra Exam will be May 1, 2002, and the End of Course Geometry Exam will be May 2, 2002. An exact schedule for test administration will be included in the training.
Regional training meetings are scheduled for Testing Coordinators for the Benchmark and End of Course Exams. THE TEST COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL, OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND BY REGULATION. Please see the attached schedule to attend the meeting that is closest to you.
One telecast of the training will be provided on February 22, 2002. This telecast is intended to serve ONLY the few coordinators who could not attend a regularly scheduled regional meeting. Space is limited at most sites. Additionally, it is likely that districts attending the make-up telecast training will be monitored during testing to determine the effectiveness of this method of training. It will be necessary to register ahead of time for this make-up broadcast meeting, so that adequate materials can be provided the telecast sites. See the registration form that is attached to this memo for time and location of the make-up telecast; registration is ONLY required for this one date.
Test manual should start arriving in the school district the week of March 18, 2002. Other testing materials will follow that date.
A random selection of school districts will be visited by ADE personnel during the testing schedule. ADE personnel will verify testing procedures and will discuss ideas and suggestions regarding the Benchmark and End of Course testing. All comments and suggestions were very helpful from the last testing, and all were brought before the Planning Committee for consideration and recommendations. There are changes in this year’s testing which reflect those suggestions.
One of the concerns which has emerged regarding security for the Benchmark and End of Course Exams is that district personnel are not permitted to read test items or student responses. TO DO SO IS A BREACH OF SECURITY. There is an alert process for any open-ended response, which indicates a potential problem – for example, criminal activity. The district superintendent will be notified by ADE if such a response occurs. The superintendent will make the decision about how to respond to the situation.
Please stress the importance of following all the testing and security requirements for this examination. ADE will investigate any testing irregularity in any regular administration of the Benchmark and End of Course Exams.
All of the assistance and support given by local school districts is greatly appreciated in the development and implementation of these Benchmark and End of Course Exams. The Department recognizes how complex and often stressful this process is, and appreciates the thoughtful reflections on testing results, and expressions of resolve to raise performance levels for all students across Arkansas. It has been very inspiring. Schools are encouraged to please continue the conversations with ADE on how to work together to improve learning.
Problems always arise during the testing period. Please contact Gayle Potter at 501-682-4558 (telephone) or 501-682-4886 (fax) if you have any questions.