The following is a listing of the Spring 2004 testing schedule:
March 22 – April 30, 2004 Window: MAC II Assessment for LEP students K-12
March 26, 2004: Alternate Portfolios due
March 30 – April 1, 2004: Primary Benchmark Exam (Grade 4), Intermediate Benchmark Exam (Grade 6), Middle Level Benchmark Exam (Grade 8)
March 31, 2004: Field Test of Benchmark Exams for Grade 3, Grade 5, and Grade 7
March 31 – April 1, 2004: End of Course Literacy Exam (Grade 11)
April 2, 2004: NRT (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) Grades 5 and 9, Reading Comprehension and Mathematics Problem Solving
April 27, 2004: End of Course Algebra I Exam
April 29, 2004: 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, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, 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 testing companies, 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, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, 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 that 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, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, 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 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR have not been set at this time. The districts will be notified when the dates are set.
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 Maculaitis Assessment of Competencies (MAC II) will be the assessment used during the March 22, 2004, to April 30, 2004 testing window.
A compressed videoconference on February 18, 2004, will discuss the administration procedures for the MAC II. 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).