Question of the Week
Q: Has the ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Alternate ACCESS Testing Window been determined?
A: The ACCESS for ELLs and the WIDA Alternate ACCESS testing window will occur from January 6 to February 14, 2025. Additional assessment training and schedule updates will be released at a later date.
For questions about the ACCESS for ELLs and WIDA Alternate ACCESS assessments, please contact Chris Williams or by phone (502) 564-4394.
WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Resources for 2024-2025
WIDA’s Accessibility and Accommodations Manual has been updated for 2024-2025 and is now available on the WIDA website. Please note the following changes:
- WIDA added clarification about the use of electronic devices for medical purposes in the test environment.
- WIDA's guidance on scribing in Appendix C has been revised to include more detail related to the use of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices, and to remove requirements around spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- The manual includes a link to our recently released guidance on administering the WIDA Screener to students who are blind/visually impaired (BVI) and/or deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).
WIDA also has an accommodations checklist for each assessment, to support local IEP and 504 Plan teams in determining the appropriate accommodation(s) for their English Learners (ELs). The accommodations checklists can be found in Appendix D of the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual or on the Resources/Recursos page of the WIDA website.
For questions about the WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Manual, please contact WIDA.
July 19 Deadline to Provide Feedback on Kentucky United We Learn Prototypes
During the July 11 DAC Webcast, an overview of the "Reimagining Assessment and Accountability in Service to the Kentucky United We Learn Council Moonshot - Prototypes for Discussion & Consideration Version 2.0" was provided. More details of each prototype are presented in a video for review.
Insight and feedback from District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) are crucial to this process. Please take a few moments to complete the Kentucky United We Learn Council - Stakeholder Feedback on Prototype 2.0 survey. It will help shape the future direction of our assessment and accountability initiatives. The deadline to provide feedback is July 19.
Program Consultant Vacancy (Reminder)
The Division of Assessment and Accountability Support (DAAS) has an opening for an Education Program Consultant. The Education Program Consultant Position (24- 04019) is open to applicants through Wednesday, July 17, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The posting lists the job description and duties for those interested in working with the Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) in Frankfort. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) offers a flexible work schedule.
Please share this information with your colleagues who might be interested in this position. We look forward to filling the position quickly, and the application takes little time to complete.
New District Assessment Coordinator Seminar
New and recently hired District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) and Building Assessment Coordinators (BACs) are invited to attend the Kentucky Association of Assessment Coordinators’(KAAC) New DAC Seminar. It will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET at 300 Sower Blvd. in Frankfort where the Kentucky Department of Education offices are located. This workshop features an in-depth focus on the role of assessment and accountability in schools and districts, the logistics every DAC needs to know and time to develop an understanding of accountability in Kentucky.
The workshop will be facilitated by KAAC board members focused on making sure each new DAC has a smooth transition into this essential job. The workshop features networking time to meet other DACs and KDE staff. DACs and BACs of any experience level are invited to attend the New DAC Seminar. Please complete the New DAC Seminar Form to register.
2024 Scott Trimble Workshop
The 2024 Scott Trimble Workshop will be held on October 23-24. Schools or districts interested in presenting at the 2024 Scott Trimble Workshop should complete the Proposal Form to be considered as presenters. We are very excited to learn from our great districts across the state!
DAC and BAC of the Year Award
Please nominate your District Assessment Coordinator and or your Building Assessment Coordinator. Winners will be recognized at the Scott Trimble Workshop in October. You will find the links on the KAAC website.
July Monthly DAC Webcast
The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA), Division of Assessment and Accountability Support (DAAS) broadcast the live monthly DAC Webcast on Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. ET.
The meeting was hosted by Jennifer Stafford, Director, in the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support. She was joined by Christen Roseberry and Shara Savage who provided important assessment and accountability information. The agenda topics included:
- Optional Fall 2024 ACT Senior Administration TENTATIVE
- K Screen Trainings
- Kentucky United We Learn Prototypes
- 2023-2024 Accountability Tentative Reporting Timeline
- Administration Code Training Reminders
The July 2024 DAC Webcast PowerPoint and video recording are available on the right-hand side of the KDE Meetings and Trainings webpage. Future broadcasts are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. ET
Assessment Scores in Infinite Campus
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) strives to publish student results data in Infinite Campus (IC) as it becomes available. KDE will publish May and June 2024 KYOTE scores to districts beginning on Tuesday, July 16.
Please email KDE data services inbox with any questions.
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