K-12 Assessment Update

Kris Ellington

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Topics

• FCAT NRT and Computer-Based Testing

• Writing+ Grade 10 Changes

• High School Competency Test

• Potential Impact of Budget Constraints

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NRT and Computer-Based Testing

Computer-Based Assessment Advisory Committee – Vision for CBT

• • Provide valid assessments that support and encourage students’ use of technology.

  • Provide assessments with accommodations which allow students with disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge of standards.

  • Consider the role of technology in allowing testing later in the school year while reporting results prior to the end of the school year.

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NRT and Computer-Based Testing

• Current NRT contract with Harcourt expires after spring 2008.

• “Intent to award” new NRT contract to Harcourt. Contract being drafted/reviewed.

  • Stanford Achievement Test, 10th edition

  • 2009 - 2011

  • Will phase in computer-based testing with one grade per level each year.

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FCAT Writing+

• This year’s 10th graders will take this test as a graduation requirement.

• Received input from advisory committees on two prompts.

• Decision has been made to use just one prompt on the grade 10 test only.

• The mode of the prompt (narrative or persuasive) will not be announced in advance.

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Statewide Budget Constraints

• Will have an impact on K-12 Assessment

• K-12 Education Appropriations Subcommittee presented with options for ‘07-’08:

  • Drop FCAT Parent Network

  • Drop FCAT Writing+ as a graduation requirement

  • Delay one grade of the computer-based FCAT NRT rollout

• Other: Eliminate Florida Reads!, Florida Writes!, Florida Solves!, and Florida Inquires!; Continue to produce Handscoring Training Materials CD and include “Read Me” files that have front matter from eliminated publications.

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HSCT

• Last group of students (class of 2002) have had 22 opportunities to pass.

• Approximately 300 students participate in each administration (2 per year).

• In June 2006, 24% passed HSCT Communications and 17% passed HSCT Mathematics.

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HSCT

• Taking action to change statute and rule

  • Rule: requires 4 administrations per year

    • Changing to 1 administration per year

  • Statute: requires same graduation test as in effect upon entering grade 9 for continuously enrolled.

    • ASP is proposing statutory change that will allow concordant score beginning 2 years after last year of any state graduation test.

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Questions?

Kris Ellington

kris.ellington@fldoe.org