Question of the Week
Q: When does the Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment (AKSA) window begin?
A: The Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment (AKSA) Window One opens today, Nov. 15, and ends on Dec. 20. All scores must be entered into the Student Registration Database (SRD) by close of business Dec. 22. Some important resources to aide in a successful Window One administration:
Online Training System (OTS)
Student Registration Database (SRD)
Trainings & Materials:
Administration Code & Inclusion of Special Populations
Attainment Task Training Part 1
Attainment Task Training Part 2
Attainment Task Training Video
Overview-Attainment Task (AT) Administration Guide
AKSA Resource Guide
Please keep in mind that all students must test. The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) can offer some flexibility on when and where a student is tested but due to a lack of a federal waiver this year, OAA cannot approve a student simply not testing. If this flexibility is needed, please contact Jason Howard to discuss alternate testing venues or timelines for virtual students.
If districts need any further assistance please contact Jason Howard and OAA wishes districts a smooth testing experience.
November DAC Monthly Webcast
The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA), Division of Assessment and Accountability Support (DAAS) hosted its live Monthly DAC Webcast on Nov. 10. The meeting was hosted by Jennifer Stafford, Director of DAAS. She was joined by DAAS consultants Jason Howard and Shara Savage. Agenda topics included:
- Assessment, Accountability and Reporting Resources
- Alternate Assessment Reminders
- Administration Code/Inclusion of Special Populations Training Materials
- End-of-Course Updates
- ACT Training Reminders
The DAC Webcast PowerPoint and the DAC Webcast Video links are available on the right-hand side of the KDE Meetings and Trainings webpage. The recorded session is posted on the KDE Media Portal.
Future broadcasts are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. ET on the KDE Live Stream.
Updated: Register for KDE Policy ACT Administration Training Sessions
The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) and ACT, Inc. will be delivering hybrid trainings this fall for the upcoming spring state administration of the ACT on Nov. 17 and 18. New this year, OAA and ACT are offering three sessions at each location to ensure there is ample opportunity to participate and to be in compliance with COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Masks are required at all in-person sessions. Space will be limited at each in-person session. The 11 a.m. sessions per location will include a remote option. The remote option will be a Teams meeting. EILA Credit will be provided for this training. To receive EILA Credit for the virtual option, participants must sign in virtually. Please ensure testing staff are aware of these dates and options. Registration links for the nearest location can be found embedded below. Please carefully consider if the in-person or virtual option will be best and register just once for the appropriate session. The deadline to register for the appropriate session is Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Please note: All Participants are encouraged to bring an electronic device. Participants can view and download the OAA/ACT PowerPoint during the training.
Additionally, if registered for the virtual option, a confirmation email was sent with the training link included. If you did not receive an email, please check your junk folder.
Register for the Lexington Location
Date: Nov. 17
Location: Clarion Hotel Conference Center – North
Address: 1950 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511
Times (EST): 8 – 10 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 4 p.m.
Register for the Bowling Green Location
Date: Nov. 18
Location: Holiday Inn University Plaza – Bowling Green
Address: 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY, 42103
Times (CST): 8 – 10 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 4 p.m.
For questions or more information, please email Shara Savage.
Save the Date: Facebook Live Event on EL Performance During COVID
Have questions about the new World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) research report, Examining English Learner (EL) Testing, Proficiency and Growth: Before and Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic? WIDA will host a Facebook Live event on this very topic on Tuesday, Nov. 30 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. CT. During the live event, report authors, Dr. H. Gary Cook and Narek Sahakyan, will answer questions about the report and English learner performance during COVID.
To ensure the most frequently asked questions are addressed, they are being collected ahead of time. Submit questions by Thursday, Nov. 18.
Empower Professional Learning Communities with WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops
Did districts know that using WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops is an effective way to build a Professional Learning Community? With topics like Home Languages, Engaging Newcomers and Mathematics, there are relevant learning opportunities for every team of educators. Here are some ideas to get your PLC started:
- Create a virtual book club. The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach eWorkshop explores ways to use the 2020 Edition to support multilingual learners’ achievement and language development. It’s designed for educators to engage in the modules individually, then to meet to discuss and build knowledge together. Hear success stories from educators who have created a PLC book club using this eWorkshop.
- Use social media to connect with colleagues. Educators from across the WIDA Consortium are using Facebook Groups like the WIDA Educator Exchange to connect and collaborate with colleagues. Hear some tips from experienced social media users.
- Leverage the resources included in the eWorkshops. Several self-paced eWorkshops have ready-to-use plans, reflections, and templates and videos to lighten the load of planning a PLC.
- Use the Inform Your Admin letter outline and inform the administrator of all the benefits of engaging with these on-demand eWorkshops.
Questions? Visit the Kentucky page on the WIDA website for information on the WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops, or contact the WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735.
Reminder: Upcoming ACCESS for ELLs Q&A Webinars
Please join WIDA and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to learn about the following ACCESS for ELLs topics:
More information and login details can be found in the WIDA Secure Portal on the Webinars page.
Can’t make it? The recordings for WIDA Q&A Webinars are posted to the WIDA Secure Portal on the Webinars page within a week of the presentation.
“With an enrollment of approximately 2,200, the Pendleton County School District serves students in PreK -- Grade 12 in Northern Kentucky. Pendleton County Schools consist of Northern Elementary School (Grades K-5), Southern Elementary School (Grades K-5), Phillip Sharp Middle School (Grades 6-8), and Pendleton County Memorial High School (Grades 9-12).
“Our mission is to graduate every student college and/or career ready by empowering staff to deliver high quality instruction and services in a safe and trusting environment. In working toward this vision, Pendleton County Schools strive to give each student an educational experience that prepares them to become lifelong learners and contributors to our world. In January of 2020, PCS began work with a group of administrators, teachers, parents, community representatives, and students to develop Pendleton County Schools Portrait of a Graduate. This is our collective vision that articulates our aspirations for students. These are the skills and habits of mind that our children need for success in our rapidly changing and complex world. Working collaboratively our stakeholder group developed the competencies and characteristics that a Pendleton High School graduate should possess.
“Pendleton County Schools
United in Pursuing Excellence
Portrait of a Graduate
Effective Communicator and Collaborator
- Give and receive feedback through active listening
- Remain open-minded to your audience
- Resolve conflict peacefully by valuing all team members
Critical Thinker
- Seek relevant and reliable information
- Ask questions and reflect on concepts
- Design and implement various solutions to problems
Innovative and Creative
- Take risks and demonstrate new ways of thinking
- Utilize traditional concepts, rules, and patterns to create new ideas
- Develop, organize, and manage new initiatives
Flexible and Adaptable
- Work effectively in an environment with changing conditions
- Appreciate feedback and respond to it in a positive manner
- Maintain a growth mindset”
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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