Question of the Week
Q: How was the first day of online field test window (Feb. 24-Mar. 6), and are there any updates on accommodated materials?
A: The first day of the online field test in reading, mathematics, editing/mechanics, and on-demand writing has gone well. Over 70,000 tests or surveys were completed today. At one point this morning, over 50,000 students were online at once. Analysis shows that 164 districts started at least one test session or survey and 108 districts completed at least one test session or survey.
Accommodated Materials
Pearson will begin to ship the Text Reader, Large Print and Braille Accommodation Kits today, Monday, Feb. 24 and continue to ship throughout the week. These accommodation kits are being shipped Next Day Air, so they will begin to arrive tomorrow.
The Text Reader emails will also be sent later today.
The audio CDs and Flash Drives are still being created. A Special DAC Email will be sent with additional information when the audio kits begin to ship. We apologize for the inconvenience this delay has caused.
Due to the delay of accommodated materials, if schools cannot complete testing prior to March 6, DACs may contact the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support. An extension to test accommodated students during the week of March 9 will be granted. For schools needing an extension for accommodated students, please email the name of the school(s) to dacinfo@education.ky.gov.
ACT Online Testing Sessions - Create and Assign
Deadline Feb. 28
Schools administering the state administration of the ACT online must create test sessions and assign students to those sessions in PearsonAccessnext. The system is open from Feb. 3-28 to complete the task.
ACT Additional Orders
Deadline Feb. 28
PearsonAccessnext is open from Feb. 3-28 to place additional orders for materials to be used on the Mar. 10 initial test date. During this window, students may also be added to the system, and student information should be updated. Information added or changed at this time will not be included to receive pre-printed labels.
2019-2020 Skilled Trades TRACK Assessment Window: Feb. 24 – Mar. 31
Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) Assessments (Skilled Trades - TRACK Carpentry and TRACK Electrical) are administered through Technological Fluency Institute (TFI) online assessment system E-SESS.
2019-2020 Skilled Trades TRACK Carpentry and TRACK Electrical Assessments testing window opened Feb. 24. Student accounts will be locked outside of the school’s identified testing window. All 2019-2020 Skilled Trades TRACK Carpentry and TRACK Electrical Assessments testing must be completed by Mar. 31.
TRACK Carpentry and TRACK Electrical assessment accommodations must be provided in accordance with the student’s documented IEP, 504 or PSP. All individuals participating in the administration of TRACK shall comply with the Administration Code for Kentucky's Educational Assessment Program, Inclusion of Special Populations and specific TRACK assessment instructions. Required assessment trainings must be completed prior to the administration of TRACK at the local level. Nondisclosures and Group Signature Sheets verifying training should be kept on file locally.
Visit the TRACK: Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky website for additional information. Contact Sherri Craig or 502-564-4286 Ext. 4226 for assistance.
2019-2020 CTE EOP Assessment Window: Feb. 24 – Mar. 31
The Career and Technical Education End-of-Program (CTE EOP) Assessment is administered through Technological Fluency Institute, Inc. (TFI) online testing system, E-SESS. 2019-2020 CTE EOP Assessment testing window opened Monday, Feb. 24. Schools have identified a two-week school testing window to complete the administration of the assessments. Student accounts will be locked outside of the school’s identified testing window. If a school’s testing window must be changed due to school closure, notify Sherri Craig. All 2019-2020 CTE EOP Assessment testing must be completed by Mar. 31.
2019-2020 CTE EOP Assessment Test Tickets Available in E-SESS
CTE EOP Assessment Coordinators – Action Items Due Prior to School’s CTE EOP Assessment Testing Window
- Review the School Test Coordinator’s responsibilities checklists (before, during and after the test) in the 2019-20 CTE End-of-Program (CTE EOP) Assessment Coordinator and Test Administrator Manuals.
- Generate student test tickets, refer to Appendix B of the CTE EOP Assessment Coordinator Manual for details.
- Verify extended time accommodations have been identified appropriately on the student test ticket. Refer to e-mail notification “2019-2020 CTE EOP Assessment Test Tickets are now available in E-SESS 02/17/2020” sent to all CTE EOP Assessment Coordinators and DACs on 2/17/2020 from Sherri Craig and the CTE EOP Assessment Coordinator Manual for details.
- Confirm all required assessment regulation trainings have been completed prior to the administration of the CTE EOP Assessment at the local level (school testing window). All individuals participating in the administration of the CTE EOP Assessment shall comply with the Administration Code for Kentucky's Educational Assessment Program and Inclusion of Special Populations. Nondisclosures and Group Signature Sheets verifying training should be kept on file locally. Refer to the CTE EOP Assessment Coordinator Manual and Administrator Manual for details.
- Confirm with Building and District Technology Coordinators that all IT requirements (CTE EOP Online IT Requirements) have been met and the CTE EOP Assessment Online Sample Test has been run on each device that will be used for testing prior to local administration of the test. Refer to Appendix A of the CTE EOP Assessment Coordinator Manual for details.
Visit the Career and Technical Education End-of-Program Assessment web page for additional information. Contact Sherri Craig or 502-564-4286 Ext. 4226 for assistance.
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DAC Spotlight
Amanda Abell
Caverna Independent Schools
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Caverna Independent Schools operates within the geographic borders of Hart and Barren Counties. Composed of three schools, the school system serves students from preschool age through grade 12. The district builds community partnerships to enhance the educational system and involve multiple stakeholders in the structure of learning.
The school district is devoted to creating a better future: every student, every classroom, every day. The district has a very diverse population--one of its greatest strengths. All students regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or religion have access to all educational and extra-curricular opportunities that Caverna has to offer. The district promotes equity and understanding of differences and highlights students’ unique qualities and talents.
Caverna Elementary (CES) is in Cave City, serving approximately 400 students in preschool through grade 5. Students at CES are exposed to a quality educational experience utilizing the latest technology. All classrooms have computer stations, along with an Active Board system allowing students to learn through an enhanced multimedia experience. The school has a well-established Student Technology Leadership Program that has repeatedly competed at the state level in showcase projects, photography, cinematography, and robotics. The school provides an environment that promotes high self-esteem and a love of learning. This is achieved through the positive attitudes of innovative teachers working in conjunction with outstanding students and supportive parents. Caverna implements Positive Behavioral Supports and the Leader in Me program, and is one of approximately 300 schools internationally that has been named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.
Caverna Middle and High share the same building with approximately 300 students. The schools are in Hart County, nestled between Horse Cave and Cave City.
Caverna Middle is strengthening its Student Technology Leadership Program and is proud to have a student team that placed in the top ten at the state level. The middle school is also one-to-one in student to Google Chromebooks which allows for research, project-based learning and differentiation of instruction.
Caverna High strives to build globally competent leaders and prepare students to transition into higher education opportunities or the workforce. The high school has launched the Project Lead the Way initiative and is offering courses in Principles of Biomedical Science. The high school has also begun to build an Industrial Maintenance program offering certification in Maintenance Mechanic and Electrical Technician.
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
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