Question of the Week
Q: What new functions are now available in the School Report Card (SRC)?
A: Kentucky’s School Report Card now includes new trend and compare charts in select areas. Each chart defaults to the view of all students; however, the selection feature allows users to select individual or multiple student groups together in one chart. Data is limited for 2020 due to COVID-19 assessment and accountability waivers but this functionality will be expanded on as more data is available in 2021.
BrightBytes has created a video that is available to provide an overview of this new functionality. The Public Website User’s Guide has also been updated to reflect the new features.
Trend charts are displayed as line charts and include three years of data where available. The following trend charts are available:
- Overview/Students/Enrollment/Student Membership
- Overview/Students/Student Groups/Economically Disadvantaged
- Overview/Students/Student Groups/English Learners
- Overview/Students/Student Groups/Students with Disabilities (IEP)
- Academic Performance/Assessment Results/Kindergarten Screen
- Transition to Adult Life/Graduation Rate/High School Graduation (4- and 5-year rates)
A compare functionality has been added to the Overview and Trends tabs in select areas. Users can compare up to four schools and/or districts. This functionality is available in the following areas and expands on current bar charts displayed on the overview tab and line charts on the trends tab.
- Academic Performance/Assessment Results/Kindergarten Screen
- Transition to Adult Life/Graduation Rate/High School Graduation (4- and 5-year rates)
As a reminder, KDE and BrightBytes are gathering feedback from SRC users. The feedback link at the bottom right of the SRC can be used to provide a quick comment or respond to a feedback survey at any time. BrightBytes is also leading user experience testing sessions and providing feedback opportunities for additional input. Individuals or groups that would like to participate, are asked to contact KDE Data Services or BrightBytes.
2020-2021 EOC Exams for Early Graduation Pathway
The End-of-Course (EOC) orders received for test window 1 have all been shipped, and the non-secure testing materials were emailed on Friday, Nov. 20, to districts testing in test window 1. If not already completed, please inventory the order closely. Once the order has been reviewed, please contact Shara Savage immediately for any missing testing materials. . The following are the EOC testing dates:
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Test Window 1 – 30 – Dec. 11, 2020
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Test Window 2 – 22-March 5, 2021
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Test Window 3 - April 19-30, 2021
OAA/ACT Office Hours – Dec. 10
OAA and ACT are partnering to offer DACs and testing staff open office hours. DACs, BACs, and TCs will be able to ask questions and receive assistance during this time. The next office hour will be on Thursday, Dec.10, at 1 p.m. ET. A regular Microsoft Teams Meeting will be the platform for the meeting. To join the meeting, please save this Teams Meeting invitation. Please contact Shara Savage with any questions.
Kentucky Alternate Assessment Resource Guide for Attainment Tasks
The Division of IDEA Monitoring and Results has released the Resource Guide for Attainment Tasks for the 2020-2021 school year. All content areas are included in the guide.
The resource guide will provide:
- Information on how to make adaptations to the Attainment Tasks while remaining compliant with testing protocol.
- Pictures of general terms (that may be used in test administration) for each content area. Teachers may begin using these pictures (and teaching what the pictures mean) during instruction so that students are familiar with the pictures prior to testing.
- Additional instructional information based on assessment protocols.
For questions regarding the resource guide, please contact Tania Sharp via email, or by phone at (502) 564-4970.
December ACCESS for ELLs Q&A Webinars
Please join World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to learn about the following ACCESS for ELLs topics:
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Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Test for New Test Administrators Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. CT
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During Testing: Managing Test Sessions (Online) Tuesday Dec. 8, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. CT
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During Testing: Managing Students in WIDA AMS (Paper) Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.-2p.m. CT
More information and login details can be found on the WIDA Q&A Webinar Schedule.
Can’t make it? WIDA Q&A Webinars are recorded and posted to the Secure Portal Download Library within a week of the presentation.
New Allow List URLs for ACCESS for ELLs Online and WIDA Screener Online
DRC performed an infrastructure update to the Internal services that distribute test content from DRC servers. This change does not impact content currently hosted on Central Operating Service (COS) Service Devices or their configurations, but it does require two additional URLs to be added to the allowlist. These additional URLs can be found in the updated Technology User Guide, located under My Applications > General Information > Documents in WIDA Assessment Management System(WIDA AMS). Please contact DRC Customer Service or phone (855) 787-9615 with any questions.
Russell County School District is a rural district in the southcentral part of the state. The county nestles along beautiful Lake Cumberland and is considered a majestic tourist attraction for many across the nation. The tourist industry is a significant source of revenue for many local businesses and community members that consistently support the school district and the students of Russell County Schools.
Therefore, Russell County School District’s mission is to increase each student’s academic and social achievements to a proficient or higher level while providing a safe and effective learning environment. The school system has 2,950 students from pre-school to grade 12 with 73.4% percentage of students qualifying for free-or reduced-price meals. The district consists of one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and a shared area technology center. Both the middle and high schools have a close working relationship with Lake Cumberland Area Technology Center that serves both Russell and Adair County students. The Lake Cumberland Area Technology Center (LCATC) is crucial to the district’s Transition Readiness high percentage as it is here where many students gain knowledge in career and technical education.
The Tech Ready Apprenticeships for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) program is a source of pride for the community and school district. The TRACK program leading to successful employment along with instruction at the LCATC provides students direction and support to obtain industry certifications in several areas prior to graduation. For students who choose a different path than the traditional university degree, participation also offers information on career options such as attending trade schools, obtaining a technical degree, or successfully entering the workforce.
Lastly, the school system provides a high-quality education for ALL students to be productive, contributing members of society and have a quality life after public education. Russell County Schools believe in providing students with a safe learning environment where they feel comfortable to build relationships and can develop mutual respect among school stakeholders. This is often facilitated by events scheduled at the Auditorium/Natatorium complex which include access to performing arts programs, informative community events and productions, and swimming events.
During these challenging times, the school district still holds high expectations for its students, teachers and staff. They continue to offer quality educational services to meet the diverse needs of students. Transition Readiness opportunities are offered to allow students a variety of avenues for them to explore while in school. School level data reviews are still held in Data-Driven PLC’s to analyze state and local data. Throughout the school year, this has helped teachers focus on students’ needs to ensure they are “Naming and Claiming” students and adjusting instruction. All staff continue to focus more on classroom formative and summative assessments to help with decisions for ALL students.
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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