What follows is a review of the Spring 2003 testing schedule:
April 4, 2003: Alternate Portfolios due
April 8-10, 2003: Primary Benchmark Exam (Grade 4), Intermediate Benchmark Exam (Grade 6), Middle Level Benchmark Exam (Grade 8)
April 9 and 10, 2003: End of Course Literacy Exam (Grade 11)
April 14-25, 2003: Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition
April 29, 2003: End of Course Algebra Exam
May 1, 2003: End of Course Geometry Exam
An exact schedule for test administration will be included in the training.
Regional training meetings are scheduled for Testing Coordinators for the Benchmark, Stanford 9, and End of Course Exams. THE SUPERINTENDENT, TEST COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL, OR A DESIGNEE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE ALL-DAY SESSION BY REGULATION. Please see the attached schedule for test locations.
Based on dates provided by school districts to Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), test manuals should arrive prior to Spring Break. Additional information will be available at the training sessions. Other testing materials will follow.
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, Stanford 9, 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.
ANY DISTRICT FAILING TO ATTEND THIS REQUIRED TRAINING IN WHOLE OR IN PART WILL BE MONITORED BY THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THROUGHOUT THE TESTING PERIOD.
Security is a significant issue for the Benchmark and End of Course Exams. 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.
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, Stanford 9, 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 continue the conversations with ADE on how to work together to improve learning.
TESTING DATES FOR THE 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR
In 2004, the Benchmark Examinations will be given the week of March 29-April 1, preceding the weekend when Daylight Savings Time begins. Testing will start on Tuesday, March 30, through Thursday, April 1.
FIELD TESTING FOR THE INITIAL POOL OF ITEMS IN READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS NEEDED TO CREATE THE BENCHMARK EXAMS FOR GRADES 3, 5, AND 7 WILL ALSO OCCUR DURING THE MARCH 29-APRIL 1, 2004, TESTING PERIOD. MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS REGARDING THE SPRING 2004 TESTING WILL BE PROVIDED AT A LATER DATE.
Under Federal Regulations an English Language Acquisition Assessment is required to access all Limited English Proficient (LEP) students on an annual basis, K-12. The ADE is in the process of establishing a contract. As soon as the contract process is final, dates for the English Language Acquisition Assessment will be announced. More specific details regarding this testing will be provided at a later date.
Testing dates for End of Course Exams follow the same schedule as before and are indicated with the other testing dates below.
January 27, 2004: Mid-Year End of Course Algebra Exam (Tuesday)
January 29, 2004: Mid-Year End of Course Geometry Exam (Thursday)
March 30-April 1, 2004: Primary Benchmark, Intermediate Benchmark, and Middle Level Benchmark Exams (Tuesday-Thursday)
March 31-April 1, 2004: End of Course Literacy Exam for Grade 11 (Wednesday and Thursday)
April 12-23, 2004: Stanford 9 Testing Window
April 27, 2004: End of Course Algebra Exam (Tuesday)
April 29, 2004: End of Course Geometry Exam (Thursday)
PLEASE ARRANGE THE 2003-2004 SCHOOL CALENDAR TO ACCOMMODATE THESE LEGALLY REQUIRED TESTING DATES. THERE WILL BE NO WAIVERS GRANTED FROM THESE DATES.
When problems or questions arise during the testing period, contact Dr. Gayle Potter, Associate Director, Academic Standards and Assessment at 501-682-4558 (telephone) or 501-682-4886 (fax).