Assessment News
September 2016
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
Computer adaptive testing (CAT) will be expanded to grades 3-5 Reading and grades 4-5 Mathematics for Spring 2017. Be sure to reference the NEW Reading and Math blueprints to see the adjusted number of questions per reporting category and the CAT link for more information. CAT has replaced traditional testing in grades 3, 6, 7, and mathematics in the past two years, reducing the number of questions on tests by 7-18 questions. How has this change in format impacted results?
Less questions and similar to increased results on CAT (as compared to traditional testing the previous year) . . . seems like a win-win!
WHAT'S NEW IN ASSESSMENT?
· Curriculum Updates: Curriculum standards are in the process of being updated for ALL content areas. Here is a summary of when NEW VDOE standards will be fully assessed:
2017-2018: History (The new curriculum framework has just been released!)
2018-2019: Mathematics
2019-2020: English
2020-2021: Science
· Data Releases and Celebrations: We have LOTS to celebrate in our school division, thanks to the work of each of YOU! Results are released publicly on designated days, based on a timeline set through VDOE. Feel free to check out the division website to view past and upcoming Staunton City Schools news releases ~
August 16 - Pass rates
September 14 - State accreditation
September 20 - SAT & AP results
September 28 - Graduation
· SOL Quality Profiles: School performance report cards from VDOE are being replaced with SOL Quality Profiles. These are much more interactive and contain many more visuals than in the past. A powerpoint is attached that shows examples of what is to come. The anticipated release date from VDOE is September 29.
· Test Nav 8: A new version and look of SOL testing is coming soon, beginning with Fall 2016 Non-Writing testing. More information will be coming around late October - early November.
ASSESSMENT RESOURCES
Looking for the assessment or SOL testing schedules for the year? If so, you can always access a yearlong view on the division website through: Testing Calendars. A monthly view is included with the newsletter.
September 2016Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday
Aug 28 / Aug 29
/ Aug 30 / Aug 31 / 1 / 2
Early Dismissal / 3
4 / 5
Labor Day Holiday / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
11 / 12
/ 13 / 14 / 15 / 16
Constitution Day Celebration / 17
18 / 19
/ 20
Progress Reports Out / 21 / 22
Parent Conferences/ Early Dismissal / 23 / 24
25 / 26
/ 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / Oct 1
KEY: Elementary Middle High ALL Schools