Regional training meetings are scheduled for testing coordinators for Benchmark, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Grade 11 Literacy Exam, and End-of-Course Exams. THE SUPERINTENDENT, TEST COORDINATOR, PRINCIPAL OR A DESIGNEE IS REQUIRED BY REGULATION TO ATTEND THE ALL-DAY SESSION. [Rules Governing the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) 5.05.1 and 5.05.2.] Please see the attached schedule to attend the meeting that is most convenient. In the event of inclement weather, plan to attend the next available scheduled workshop.
MID-YEAR Test Coordinator Training is scheduled on December 5, 2006, at the Department of Environmental Quality, Commission Room in the Arkansas State Police Headquarters, I-30 and Geyer Springs, #1 State Police Plaza, Little Rock, AR 72209, 501-682-0744. Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. and training will begin at 10:00 a.m. A photo ID and sign-in is required to enter the building.
TRAINING FOR SPRING TEST ADMINISTRATION WILL BE THE WEEK OF JANUARY 29 - FEBRUARY 1, 2007, AND THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 5 - 9, 2007.
REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:00 a.m. TRAINING SESSION BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 8:30 a.m.
Any district failing to attend this required training in whole or in part will be monitored by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) throughout the testing period.
The ADE will visit a random selection of school districts during the testing schedule. Monitors 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. The ADE will notify the district superintendent if such a response occurs.
Please stress the importance of following all testing and security requirements for these examinations. The ADE will investigate any testing irregularity or breach of security in any administration of the Benchmark, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Grade 11 Literacy, and End-of-Course Exams.
When problems or questions arise during the testing period, contact Dr. Gayle Potter, Associate Director, Curriculum, Assessment, and Research at telephone number 501-682-4558, fax at 501-682-4886 or email at gayle.potter@arkansas.gov.