FYI -- SBAC Delayed To: Superintendents of Schools From: Dianna Roberge-Wentzell, DRW Date: March 14, 2014 Subject: Smarter Balanced Field Test We wish to convey a time-sensitive update with you regarding the Smarter Balanced Field Test. Smarter Balanced has shifted the first week of the Field Test. Testing will now begin nationally – including Connecticut – on Tuesday, March 25. As you know, the Field Test requires unprecedented collaboration among states, districts, and many testing contractors. Needless to say, we are disappointed that the SBAC Consortium is requiring us to make this adjustment. In the final analysis, however, it was decided that this change was needed to ensure that all the steps necessary to conduct the Field Test properly on a national basis have been taken. And to ensure that teachers, students, and administrators have a productive experience with the Field Test. We know this change may impact schools within your district. Your schools might be impacted in the following ways: Schools that anticipated administering the Field Test during the first week of testing window 1 (March 18 - March 24) will need to adjust their schedule. It is possible that these schools might be able to reschedule the testing days to fall within the remainder of the first testing window or extend testing into the first week of window 2 (April 7 - April 11). Any schools that would have begun administering the assessments during the first week that are unable to reschedule testing for the affected students within March 25 to April 11, should contact the Field Test Help Desk at 1-855-833-1969 to reschedule testing in another testing window. This shift in the start date for the first testing window is not expected to disrupt your testing schedule in any of the other three week windows. It is not necessary to reschedule these three testing windows. As you know, one of the goals of the Field Test is to uncover challenges before the launch of the assessment system in the 2014–15 school year. The Field Test will help to ensure that the assessments are accurate and fair for all students. It also gives teachers and schools a chance to practice test administration procedures, and students the opportunity to experience the new assessments in a low-stakes environment. Thank you for your flexibility and for your participation in this effort. If you have questions, please contact the Connecticut State Department of Education, Academic Office Assessment Line at 860-713-6860.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 19:28:43 +0000
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