In order to meet the legislative mandate that annual learning gains for students in grades 3 – 8 are measured and reported, committees of Arkansas teachers are working to reset the cut scores for each performance level of the Benchmark Exams. This standard setting process necessitates that the 2005 results for the Benchmark Examinations for Grades 3 – 8 be issued in two phases. Phase I consists of data on CDs shipped to districts no later than July 1, 2005. Class and School Roster raw score reports, including Rank Order Reports, will be included on these CDs.
The Phase I reports for the Benchmark Examinations provide each district with a performance record for students relative to the expectations outlined in the Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks. There is not a way to translate the raw scores issued in Phase I into performance categories. The Rank Order Reports are intended to provide additional information about student performance; however, assumptions about whether a student is proficient cannot be made based on raw scores. Therefore, Academic Improvement Plans should be written based on Phase II reporting data.
Phase II reports placing students into the new performance levels will be issued in the fall of 2005. These will be the standard paper reports that the district is accustomed to receiving each year.
For answers to questions regarding the Benchmark Examinations, please contact Dr. Gayle Potter at the Arkansas Department of Education at 501-682-4558.