Question of the Week
Q: What tools are available to manage the K Screen administration process efficiently?
A: The K Screen Checklist is a valuable tool available on the KDE Common Kindergarten Entry Screener webpage, designed to help District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) manage the K Screen process efficiently and effectively. Developed by the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support (DAAS), the checklist provides structured guidance through each phase of K Screen administration, ensuring clarity and consistency across districts.
Key Components of the K Screen Checklist:
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Preparation for Administration: The checklist outlines essential tasks to complete prior to screening, including scheduling, organizing materials, and communicating with key personnel. These steps help ensure that staff are well-prepared and that all logistics are in place.
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During the Screening Process: Clear reminders and task prompts assist DACs in managing the active administration of the K Screen. This section supports a smooth, organized process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring adherence to KDE requirements.
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Post-Screening Tasks: After the K Screen is administered, the checklist continues to guide DACs through the necessary steps to verify data accuracy, submit information on time, and complete follow-up activities. These steps help maintain data integrity and support KDE reporting needs.
DACs are encouraged to integrate the K Screen Checklist into their workflow and share it with their school teams. By following the checklist, districts can streamline their administration process and promote a more consistent, error-free implementation of the K Screen.
For questions or additional support, contact Tiffany Christopher.
Kentucky Alternate Assessment Program Calendar Available
The Kentucky Alternate Assessment Program Calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available. This comprehensive calendar is an essential resource for teachers, administrators, and parents involved in the Kentucky Alternate Assessment Program. It outlines important dates and deadlines to ensure all assessments are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
Key Dates and Highlights:
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Assessment Windows: The calendar details specific periods for each alternate assessment, ensuring all schools align with the statewide schedule.
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Preparation Deadlines: Important dates for preparation activities, such as materials ordering, training sessions, and data uploads, are clearly outlined to help schools stay on track.
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Submission Deadlines: Critical deadlines for the submission of assessment results and other required documentation are included to ensure timely reporting and compliance.
The calendar is designed to support our commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students, including those with significant cognitive disabilities. By adhering to the schedule and guidelines provided, educators can effectively plan and administer assessments, ensuring that every student’s achievements are accurately measured and reported.
For questions, please contact Krista Mullins.
Process for Requesting Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment (AKSA) Visual Impairment (VI) Materials for Window 1
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will provide tactilely enhanced supplemental materials (e.g., maps, graphs) for some grades on the AKSA Attainment Tasks (AT) to students who have verified visual impairments in their Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Districts should verify a visual impairment is clearly marked on the current IEP and that the student meets all of Kentucky’s eligibility criteria for taking the alternate assessment as indicated in the current IEP. Once districts have verified the student’s eligibility, districts should complete the Visual Impairment (VI) Order Form. If a district has more than one student, the form provides the opportunity for the district to add more students to the form.
All submissions must be made no later than Wednesday, Sept. 3, in order for districts to receive these materials for Window 1 of the AKSA.
For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Krista Mullins. For questions regarding completing the VI Materials Request Form, please contact dacinfo@education.ky.gov.
Call for Educator Participation: Virtual Range-Finding Meetings for Writing and Reading
The Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA), in partnership with Pearson, is seeking Kentucky educators interested in participating in upcoming virtual Range Finding Meetings for the following content areas:
- On-Demand Writing
- Editing and Mechanics
- Reading
These meetings will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:
- Sept. 9–11, 2025
- Sept. 16–18, 2025
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Time: 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Selected participants will be notified of their specific assigned meeting dates at a later time.
Range Finding involves reviewing a variety of student responses in order to develop clear and consistent scoring rationales aligned with established rubrics. The insights provided by participating educators are vital to ensuring scoring accuracy and effectiveness in training scorers.
Participants will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a quiet, distraction-free environment during meeting times. Participation will be compensated, and additional details, including honorarium information, will be shared in a follow-up email for those selected.
Interested participants should complete the Committee Work application by Friday, Aug. 15.
For any questions, please contact Christen Roseberry.
August DAC Webcast Canceled
The DAC webcast scheduled for Thursday, August 14, has been canceled. OAA understands the many demands that come at the beginning of a new school year and appreciates the continued dedication during this busy time.
The next DAC webcast will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Program Consultant Vacancy
The Division of Assessment and Accountability Support is accepting applications for an Education Program Consultant position through Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 p.m. ET. This role offers an opportunity to support the work of the Office of Assessment and Accountability in Frankfort.
The job posting includes a detailed description of responsibilities and qualifications. A flexible work schedule is available through the Kentucky Department of Education.
Colleagues interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply. The application process is brief, and the position is expected to be filled quickly.
WIDA Featured Resource: Embedding the Can Do Cycle
Start the year off by implementing and supporting an asset-based approach to working with multilingual learners. Our Focus Bulletin Embedding the Can Do Cycle throughout the School Year provides a model for enacting practices related to WIDA’s Can Do Philosophy through intentional planning and collaboration. Read examples of how educators can make use of resource bank questions to elicit student assets and reflect on ways to build on those assets at the beginning of and throughout each unit.
For questions, please contact WIDA Client Services Center or by phone (866) 276-7735.
Learn About Improvements to WIDA MODEL Online
WIDA MODEL Online has moved to a new testing platform that brings improved accessibility, usability and efficiency to the testing experience. While the MODEL Online test content has not changed, the new delivery platform offers enhanced features for students and administrators. Read the article WIDA MODEL Online has moved to a new test platform to learn more about the benefits of the new and improved MODEL Online assessment.
For questions, please contact Chris Williams or by phone (502) 564-4394.
Assessment Scores in Infinite Campus
KDE strives to publish student results data in Infinite Campus (IC) as it becomes available. KDE will publish 2024-2025 scores for the Career Work Experience Certification (CWEC), Employability Skills Attainment Record (ESAR), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) Apprenticeship and World-class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) beginning Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Please email KDE data services inbox with any questions.
Reminder: Fall Reporting - Data Review, Cohort and Postsecondary Readiness Scores Resources
The Fall Reporting Data Review, Cohort and Postsecondary Readiness Scores window will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The deadline for submitting new tickets is Thursday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. ET. The Fall Reporting Data Review period allows schools and districts a final opportunity to change individual student-level data prior to the public data release.
To prepare for the Fall Reporting Data Review, the Office of Assessment and Accountability (OAA) has created the following Module Trainings:
These modules will assist districts and schools in the Data Review process while working in the Student Data Review and Reporting (SDRR) Application.
OAA will release more details about the Fall Reporting - Data Review, Cohort and Postsecondary Readiness Scores in an upcoming Special DAC Email.
For questions, please contact the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support or by phone at (502) 564-4394.
Reminder: Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment (AKSA) DAC Binder Pre-Orders
New this year, DAC Binders, which include a district copy of the Required Assessment Materials (RAMs), will not be automatically shipped to districts with AKSA testing materials as in previous years. Additional details may be found in the Kentucky Alternate Assessment Back to School Training.
DACs who wish to receive a DAC Binder must pre-order by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 15. In lieu of pre-ordering a DAC Binder, DACs may choose to retain school-level binders from each grade band (elementary, middle, and high) after Window 1 for any required make-up testing. School-level binders, including RAMs, will continue to be shipped to schools as in prior years.
For districts without students eligible for the AKSA, district-level materials will still be provided in the event a student moves into the district and requires participation in the alternate assessment.
To place a DAC Binder order for Window 1, please use the DAC Binder Pre-Order for Window 1 link.
For questions or additional support, contact Krista Mullins. For technical support with the ordering link, please contact dacinfo@education.ky.gov.
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