Question of the Week
Q: When does PearsonAccessnext (PAN) Open for the ACT Fall 2024 Optional Senior State Administration?
A: ACT’s PAN system, which can be accessed via testadmin.act.org, is now open for the ACT fall 2024 senior (optional) state administration. PAN is used by testing staff to select test dates, choose shipping dates and verify shipping addresses, and manage testing staff user accounts. Step 1 of the ACT-hosted website contains comprehensive information about these tasks and includes helpful resources, such as the PAN User Guide and step-by-step training tutorials.
Please ensure testing staff involved with selecting test dates, choosing shipping dates and, verifying shipping addresses, and managing testing staff user accounts are aware that PAN is open. If you have any questions, please contact Christen Roseberry.
National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program and Application for Category 1, 2, and 3
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) – formerly the National Title I Association – selects examples of superior, federally-funded school programs for national recognition through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program.
Each year, states can identify up to two Distinguished ESEA Schools in three possible categories:
- Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years.
- Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years.
- Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English Learners, etc.).
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is now accepting applications for schools for Categories 1, 2 and 3. Schools may apply for recognition in only one category, and anyone interested in applying should fill out the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program application. The application must be signed by the school principal and district superintendent and submitted by the deadline of Aug. 15.
If selected as a finalist, KDE staff will conduct a site visit to interview the principal and selected staff.
Fall Reporting Data Review Reminders
Fall Reporting Data Review will open in the Student Data Review and Roster Application (SDRR) on Wednesday, Aug. 7, around 9 a.m. ET. The Data Review period allows schools and districts a final opportunity to change student-level data prior to the public data release.
For access to Student Data Detail and SDRR application, District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) and other school staff assisting with the Data Review process will need to contact the Web Apps Admin Point of Contact (WAAPOC) in the district. The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) does not grant access.
The Office of Assessment Accountability will be hosting a Data Review Office Hour on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 2-3 p.m. ET in TEAMS. District and school staff can ask questions about the functionality of SDRR accountability. This office hour is not to ask about specific student information.
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Or call in (audio only)
- tel:+15026941960,695446458#United States, Louisville
- Phone Conference ID: 599 056 875#
Please refer to the Monday DAC email sent on July 29 for additional Data Review resources to help the district and school staff in preparation for the opening of Data Review in SDRR. DACs will receive more details about the Fall Reporting Data Review process in a Special DAC email on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
K Screen Train the Trainers for New Staff
Curriculum Associates and the Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) will host the final Train the Trainers session for the fall K Screen window on August 28 and August 29. This virtual training event will take place in the afternoon from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. ET on both days, accommodating educators returning to the classroom. It is specifically required for new K Screen coordinators, who will be responsible for delivering the three-hour training to teachers and district staff.
Participants may register using the K Screen Train the Trainers Virtual Training: August 28-29 Google Form. OAA will accept registrations via the Google Form until 5 p.m. ET on August 23. More information on accessing the virtual event will be provided in an email on August 26 to new district trainers who have registered.
Attendees will receive 6 hours of Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) credit.
Please contact Ben Riley with any questions.
Sharing the Results of the K Screen with Parents
Effectively communicating the results of the Kindergarten Entry Screener (K Screen) with parents is essential to support early childhood development. According to state regulation 704 KAR 5:070, screenings must be conducted within the first 30 instructional days of the school year. The results should be shared promptly with parents to ensure timely intervention and support. Each parent will receive a report outlining their child's performance developmental areas assessed by the BRIGANCE® Kindergarten Screen III.
Schools are encouraged to offer opportunities for parents to discuss these results in detail through face-to-face parent-teacher conferences. These discussions should focus on interpreting the results, addressing any concerns, and developing a collaborative plan to support the child's progress. Clear and concise communication is vital in helping parents understand their child's readiness for school and engaging them in their child's early learning experiences.
For further details, refer to Kentucky Administrative Regulation 704 KAR 5:070 and the 2024-2025 K Screen Implementation Guide.
Please contact Ben Riley if you have any questions.
Reminder: Upcoming WIDA Screener Webinar
Please join WIDA and Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to learn about the following topic:
-
WIDA Screener Online and Paper Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 1-2 p.m. CT
Learn more and add this upcoming webinar to your calendar on the Webinars page (login required).
Can’t make it? The recordings for Assessment Webinars are posted to the WIDA Secure Portal on the Webinars page within a week of the presentation.
August DAC Webcast Canceled
The DAC webcast scheduled for Thursday, August 8, has been canceled. In lieu of the webcast, the KDE Media Portal will stream the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) regular meeting on August 7 and August 8. OAA encourages DACs to watch the KBE meeting on August 7 to hear updates about the Kentucky United We Learn (KUWL) Council and August 8 on proposed regulation amendments to 703 KAR 5:240 (Accountability Administrative Procedures and Guidelines) and 703 KAR 5:080 (Administration Code for Kentucky’s Educational Assessment Programs). The next DAC webcast will be held on Thursday, Sept 12.
ACT Fall 2024 Optional Senior State Administration – Accommodations Request Deadline Extended
The deadline to submit initial accommodations requests or associations has been extended to Aug. 28. ACT and KDE encourage testing staff to request new accommodations and supports, or associate students who were previously approved for accommodations and supports in order to meet key deadlines in preparation for the ACT fall 2024 senior (optional) state administration. ACT’s TAA portal, accessed via success.act.org, is open for the ACT fall 2024 senior (optional) state administration.
Step 3 of the ACT-hosted website contains comprehensive information about requesting new or associating previously approved accommodations and supports. This includes helpful resources such as the TAA User Guide and Retesting with Accommodations.
Please ensure testing staff involved with requesting new or associating previously approved accommodations and supports are aware that TAA is open. For questions and assistance, please contact ACT at 800.553.6244, ext. 1788 or email ACTStateAccoms@act.org. Additionally, you may contact Christen Roseberry with any questions, concerns, or need for assistance.
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 published 2023-2024 ACCESS (EL) to districts last week, July 30-31.
|
