Regional training meetings are scheduled for testing coordinators for the Benchmark, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Grade 11 Literacy Exam, and End of Course Exams. THE SUPERINTENDENT, TEST COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL, OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE ALL-DAY SESSION BY REGULATION. [Rules Governing the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) 6.03.5 and 6.04.3] Please see the attached schedule to attend the meeting that is closest. In the event of inclement weather, plan to attend the next available scheduled workshop.
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.
The previously announced testing dates for 2004-2005 are as follows:
January 25, 2005 - Mid-year End of Course Algebra I Exam (Tuesday)
January 27, 2005 - Mid-year End of Course Geometry Exam (Thursday)
Week of March 7, 2005 - K-2 Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Level 5 for Kindergarten, Level 7 for Grade 1, and Level 8 for Grade 2)
[Note: Kindergarten will take Reading Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Language, and Mathematics (2 hours).
Grade 1 will take Reading Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Listening, Language, Math Concepts, and Math Problem Solving (2 hrs. 45 min.).
Grade 2 will take Reading Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Listening, Language, Math Concepts, and Math Problem Solving (2 hrs. 45 min.).]
March 8-10, 2005 - Benchmark Exams in Grades 3-8 (Tuesday-Thursday)
March 9-10, 2005 - Grade 11 Literacy Exam (Wednesday-Thursday)
March 11, 2005 - Norm Referenced Test (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) in Reading and Math – Grades 3-9 (Friday)
March 21-April 29, 2005 – Window: MAC II Assessment for LEP students K-12
March 25, 2005 - Shipping date – Alternate Portfolios
April 26, 2005 – End of Course Algebra I Exam (Tuesday)
April 28, 2005 – End of Course Geometry Exam (Thursday)
ADE personnel will visit a random selection of school districts during the testing schedule. They will verify testing procedures and will discuss ideas and suggestions regarding the assessments.
Security is a significant issue for the Benchmark, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Grade 11 Literacy, 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. ADE will notify the district superintendent 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, Grade 11 Literacy, 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 the Benchmark, Grade 11 Literacy, and End of Course Exams. Schools are encouraged to please continue the conversations with ADE on how to work together to improve learning.
When problems or questions arise during the testing period, contact Gayle Potter, Associate Director, Academic Standards and Assessment at 501-682-4558 (telephone), 501-682-4886 (fax), or email gpotter@arkedu.k12.ar.us.