Assessment Newsletter (Volume 5, Issue 58)

Update from the Wyoming Department of Education  |  view online |  website

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April 13, 2018  |  WDE Assessment Updates  |  Volume 5, Issue 58


WY-TOPP SPRING TESTING WINDOW

spotlight

The WY-TOPP 3-10 Spring Summative and K-2 Spring Interim window is from April 16th - May 11th. 

Please refer to the WY-TOPP Special Edition newsletter for assessment resources. WY-TOPP Help Desk can be reached at 888-897-8024 or wyohelpdesk@air.org. 


WY-TOPP K-2 SPRING INTERIM

The WY-TOPP reading spring interim is mandatory for K-2 students. The math spring interim is optional for K-2 students. Each of these tests is expected to take approximately 20 minutes for K-2 students to complete. Headphones are allowable for K-2 students on both the ELA and Math assessments. Contact Catherine Palmer at catherine.palmer@wyo.gov or Michelle Carroll at michelle.carroll@wyo.gov if you have any questions.


WY-TOPP WRITING PROMPT

typewriter

Schools may allow students to organize and draft their responses on scratch paper. Keep in mind that the test will still need to be attended to as it will "time-out" after 30 minutes of inactivity. The writing segment is the second segment of the ELA assessment in grades 3, 5, 7, and 9. Once started, the writing segment must be finished. TAs should not approve access to the writing segment unless students will have time to complete the writing. Please ensure that all scratch paper is securely destroyed after testing. It is recommended to schedule the writing assessment earlier in the school day to ensure sufficient time for administration.

Please follow the link below to view a new FAQ about auto-scoring the writing segment of the WY-TOPP assessment.

NEW FAQ Auto Score


WYOMING NAEP PERFORMANCE

Wyoming's 2017 NAEP results are now posted. Please click on the links below to view Wyoming's Math and Reading reports.

READING

MATH


WY-ALT INDEPENDENT FIELD TEST (IFT)

The WY-ALT Independent Field Test window is April 9- April 27. 

If you missed the WY-ALT IFT test administration webinar on April 11th, please follow this link to view the recording of the webinar. (must insert link)

WY-ALT students will be participating in an online independent field test during the window April 9-27. There will be 10 items per subject. The online assessment is adaptive and eliminates the use of the Student Placement Questionnaire and the Scale Score Starting Points Table. Follow the links below to the manuals and resources for training Test Administrators. 

WY-ALT IFT FAQ

WY-ALT IFT Quick Start Guide

WY-ALT IFT Test Administrator User Guide

WY-ALT IFT Test Administrator PowerPoint

The IFT is administered through TDS and requires two devices that can connect to the internet (i.e., computers, tablets). One device will be used to access the Test Administrator Interface, accessible through the Wyoming Assessment Portal. The other device will be used to access the Student Interface through the Secure Browser. The Technology Coordinator is responsible for downloading and installing the Secure Browser on all devices used to access the Student Interface. Please review the Secure Browser Installation Manualf or more information.

Text-to-Speech is required for the IFT. Please review the Technical Specifications Manual for more information on Text-to-Speech, and the Voice Pack Installation Guide for information on downloading the Julie Voice Pack for students who are testing on Windows computers.

Please contact your technology coordinator to install the secure browser on the devices that will be used by your WY-ALT students prior to the independent field testing window. Click on the links below for technology guidance:

System Requirements for Online Testing

Secure Browser Installation Manual

Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing


ACT ONLINE TESTING - PURGE TODAY

The ACT online window closed April 12th. 

After the online window closes, campuses must remember to remove the test content from all proctor caching computers by Friday, April 13th. Please follow the "How to Purge Cached Test (or Client) Content" instructions in the Technical Guide.


WY-TOPP STANDARD SETTING EDUCATOR PANEL

colorful hands raised

Application deadline has been extended to April 16th.

This application is for any Wyoming educator interested in contributing to setting the proficiency standards for the WY-TOPP assessments in English Language Arts grades 3-10, mathematics grades 3-10, or the legacy science for grade 10. The standards setting meeting will be held in Cheyenne on July 10-12, 2018. Travel and lodging reimbursements will be offered to panel members traveling from outside of Cheyenne. All applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 16, 2018 will be considered. Follow this link to apply for consideration to participate.


WY-TOPP PLD EDUCATOR PANEL

Application deadline has been extended to April 30th.

We are calling Wyoming educators who are interested in contributing to setting the proficiency levels descriptors (PLDs) for the WY-TOPP assessments in English Language Arts grades 9-10, mathematics grades 9-10, and legacy science (2008 standards) for grade 10. The PLD meeting will be held in Cheyenne on June 19-20, 2018. Travel and lodging reimbursements will be offered to panel members traveling from outside of Cheyenne. All applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2018 will be considered. Follow this link to apply for consideration to participate


WIDA ACCESS 2.0 WORKSHOP - INTERPRETING ACCESS FOR ELLS SCORE REPORTS

SAVE THE DATE! 
June 7th in Casper, WY or June 8th in Riverton, WY

EL teachers and EL coordinators have the opportunity to learn how the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Score Reports provide important information about students’ academic English language proficiency. Participants will examine the different types of reports available and each report’s function. Participants will also discuss the connection between the score reports and the WIDA ELD Standards and Assessment System, and how these reports can serve as a tool to initiate discussion about instruction. Registration will open soon.


IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

  • April 3-5 and 10-12: Option 3 - ACT online testing window
  • April 9-27: WY-ALT Independent Field Test window
  • April 16-25: WY-TOPP paper test, large print, and braille late order window
  • April 16-May 11: WY-TOPP Interim Spring window (Grades K-2)
  • April 16-May 11: WY-TOPP Summative testing window (Grades 3-10)
  • April 17-May 1: WorkKeys testing window (Grades 11-12)
  • April 18: ACT Deadline to return all online and makeup accommodated testing material
  • April 23: Deadline to submit exemption requests
  • April 24: ACT Emergency Makeup date (paper)
  • April 24-30: ACT Emergency Makeup window for Accommodated tests (paper)
  • May 2: WorkKeys material return via prescheduled pickup
  • May 3: Marzano - Phase IV: Standards Based Grading - Evanston
  • June 7: ACCESS 2.0 Score Reports Workshop - Casper
  • June 8: ACCESS 2.0 Score Reports Workshop - Riverton
  • June 19-20: WY-TOPP Proficiency Levels Descriptors Educator Panel in Cheyenne
  • June 21-22: WY-TOPP Science Content Bias and Fairness Review in Cheyenne
  • July 10-12: WY-TOPP Standard Setting Educator Panel in Cheyenne