Important Dates for October and November 2013

Fri, 4 Oct 2013 15:57:00 GMT

Date

Event

October 1

TIDE 2013-2014 available

October 3

Mandatory DTC Training on Accountability Reporting

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 15:59:00 GMT

A required DTC Training WebEx has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM covering Accountability Reporting. In the past, this material has been part of the regular set of training modules, but given that the accountability reporting system has become larger and more complex under the ESEA Flexibility Waiver, it was determined that the topic should be covered in a separate training.

In order to receive credit for this training, you must preregister with your Regional ESD Partner and then view the WebEx. If you are unable to attend this WebEx session please contact your Regional ESD Partner for options. The deadline for make-up training is December 20, 2013. Test Administrators and School Test Coordinators are encouraged to attend, although this training is not mandatory for them.

T ...MORE

Extended Assessment Field Test Review (Online)

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 15:49:00 GMT

The Oregon Department of Education extends an invitation to special and general education teachers to participate in an upcoming online review of some recently developed assessment items at all grade levels/bands and subject areas of the Extended Assessment (i.e., Mathematics, Reading, Writing (High School only), and Science.

Purpose: The purpose of this online review is to ensure that extended assessment items are (a) consistent with current research and practice in the assessment and instruction of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities; (b) appropriately reflect Oregon's content standards for these subject areas; and (c) are free of bias for all students.

Process: The assessment items under review have been created by test developers, educators, specialists, and researchers in the field of special education and will undergo this additional level of review to ensure that current Oregon teachers have the opportunity to shape the ass ...MORE

Achievement Compact Data Not Suppressed

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 15:42:00 GMT

The Disaggregated reports provided by the Achievement Compact Application from ODE contain unsuppressed data that could inadvertently reveal personal information about students, resulting in a FERPA violation. Accordingly, we ask that you not publicly distribute the Disaggregated report unless you have analyzed it and determined that it would not reveal personal information about any student.

Although there will not be a suppressed version of the PDFs, ODE will be providing a media file with suppressed disaggregated data that will be posted on the OEIB Web site October 22. Please note that targets need not be set for cell sizes of less than 6 students. Since the Achievement Compact Application requires a numeric entry, enter 100 as a placeholder where a target is not required.

For more information on Achievement Compacts, go to http://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/oeib ...MORE

Spanish and English School and District Report Cards Final Preview

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 15:40:00 GMT

The final preview of the school and district report cards will be October 3, 2013. A WebEx will be held Monday, October 7, 2013 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM to present embargoed report card results. The public release of the Report Cards will be Thursday, October 10, 2013. Note that all WebEx times are based on Pacific Standard Time (PST).

For more information on the 2012-13 Report Cards, please visit: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3881.

For more information on the Report Card redesign, please visit: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3942.

TIDE Now Open for 2013-2014 Academic Year

Wed, 2 Oct 2013 15:38:00 GMT

TIDE is now open for the 2013-2014 academic year. All 2012-13 school-level users have been deleted from TIDE and will need to be added to TIDE by their DTSA or DSA if they should have an account this year. DTSAs and DSAs who need a list of users in their district who were deleted from TIDE can obtain the list from their ESD Partner or the OAKS Help Desk. The TIDE User Guide has also been updated for 2013-2014 and is available at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=391 to walk users through how to use TIDE.

Clarification: Stylus Not Required for Smarter Field Test

Wed, 2 Oct 2013 15:32:00 GMT

ODE has received inquiries from districts regarding whether Smarter plans to require use of a stylus when administering the Smarter Mathematics Assessment. While Smarter is investigating the use of a stylus for future administrations of the Smarter Mathematics Assessment, they will not be required for the 2013-2014 field test or for the 2014-2015 operational assessment. Pending the results of the Math Reasoning Project which is anticipated to be completed in 2016-17, Smarter would first introduce the use of a stylus in the context of the Smarter interim assessments before phasing them in for use on the operational summative assessment in later years.

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 27, 2013

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 20:57:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for September 27, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Monthly Informal WebEx for District Test Coordinators
TIDE Opens for 2013-14 on October 1
Transfer Students and the Kindergarten Assessment
Kindergarten Assessment Data Collection Update
Writing Appeals Deadline Nears
Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant
- Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual
- Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early ...MORE

Transfer Students and the Kindergarten Assessment

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:31:00 GMT

If a student participates in the kindergarten assessment and then transfers to another school, the school should still enter the student response data into Consolidated Collections and then securely destroy the assessor form consistent with the requirements in Part IV - Test Security of the Test Administration Manual. Test Booklets should not be mailed to the receiving school. Because student scores for the Kindergarten Assessment operational field test will not be available in Student Centered Staging during the test window, the receiving school should contact the previous school to confirm whether the student had already tested and avoid inadvertently double-testing students.

TIDE Opens for 2013-14 on October 1

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:44:00 GMT

The Test Information Delivery Engine (TIDE) will open for the 2013-14 school year next Tuesday, October 1. At that time, authorized DSAs and DTSAs may begin creating user accounts for their district. TIDE manages users across all OAKS systems, including the Test Delivery System and Online Reporting System. In addition, TIDE allows districts to enter student settings and place orders for paper-based Writing tests. An updated 2013-14 TIDE User Guide will also be posted to http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=391 by October 1 to provide a step-by-step approach to using TIDE. Your Regional ESD Partner is also available to assist you in using TIDE.

Spring Writing Appeals 2012-13

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:51:00 GMT

Appeals of 2012-13 spring writing records are due to ODE on Monday, September 30. Spring writing appeals will be loaded to Student Centered Staging by noon on Tuesday, October 22, 2013.

For more information on writing appeals, contact Ken.Hermens@state.or.us or call 503-947-5830.

Writing Appeals Deadline Nears

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:46:00 GMT

The deadline for districts to submit appeals for writing assessments that were completed during the spring 2013 writing window is Monday, September 30, 2013. All submissions need to be received by ODE by close of business on that date.

Information about submitting appeals can be found in Appendix G of the Test Administration Manual which can be found at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=486. The directions and forms on pages G-24 and G-25 should be used to complete the appeals process. Since the form has remained the same as last year, you may use the one currently posted for the 2013-2014 assessment year for papers that were completed last spring. Be sure that a qualified rater has completed the local review and that both that individual and the District Test Coordinator has signed off on the required form.

Re-scoring of these appeals will be completed by an experienced team of state scoring director ...MORE

Kindergarten Assessment Data Collection Update

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:43:00 GMT

The collection file formats for the early literacy, early math, and approaches to learning segments have been added to the Kindergarten Assessment Collection Details Pages in the Schedule of Due Dates at https://district.ode.state.or.us/apps/info/. The file format documents include the data map, code tables, and business rules. These are included in three separate tabs in the file format spreadsheets. There are three Collections Details Pages for the kindergarten assessment and they are titled as follows: “Kindergarten Assessment: Early Literacy 13-14,” “Kindergarten Assessment: Early Mathematics 13-14,” and “Kindergarten Assessment: Approaches to Learning 13-14.”

Issues regarding the district use of the Spanish Syllable Sounds Waiver (code A) have been resolved. This code is entered in the Early Literacy collection. In addition, “0” is now a valid value, and an Admin code of “0” (Not Applicable) is allowable when the Assessment C ...MORE

New Cumulative ADM Report

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 15:34:00 GMT

The Cumulative ADM Reports menu now includes the External Production Download. The names of the reports have been changed and will appear as “Production Download - Internal” and “Production Download - External” from the Reports dropdown menu.

The Production Download - Internal report shows students who are reported as attending in your district. It should contain all the records you have submitted to the collection.

The Production Download - External report shows students who are residents of your district who are attending an institution outside your district. Students on the External Download Report are reported by the attending district with the student's district of residence in the Resident District field. This report is for information purposes and should not be used by the resident district to make changes to the student's record. Contact the attending district if there are questions regarding a student's record.

Keep in mind these rep ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 20, 2013

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:22:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for September 20, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Media Requests
District Test Coordinator Training Reminder
Deletion of 2012-13 Users from TIDE
Monthly Informal WebEx for District Test Coordinators
Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant
- Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual
- Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math
- Test Administration Manual Available: Final for 2013-14

Spanish School and District Report Cards Available for Preview

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 20:00:00 GMT

The Spanish versions of the 2012-13 school and district report cards are now available for district preview. The English versions of the report cards have been available since Thursday, September 12.

The report cards have been redesigned based on recommendations from an external Report Card Steering Committee. Key features of the redesign include a Letter from the Principal/Superintendent and a Curriculum and Resources section. These sections, in the Spanish version, have been specifically designed to accommodate translation from the English version.

The September 19 preview will serve as the first opportunity for districts to review their Spanish submissions. The Spanish version previews are available in the Achievement Data Insight application on the Secure District Website.

ODE hosted a video training on the Report Cards on Thursday, September 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. This training provided an overview of the report cards and detailed explanations of ...MORE

Testing and Media Requests

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:45:00 GMT

This school year, many schools will be administering new assessments -- the Kindergarten Assessment this fall and the Smarter Balanced Field Test in the spring. We know that your communities, parents, and local media may have a lot of questions, curiosity, and interest in these new assessments and we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a reminder about test security as it relates to the administration of these new assessments. As with other state tests, both the Kindergarten Assessment and the Smarter Balanced Field Test take place in secure test environments. As such, visitors and observers should not be invited into the test environment. This includes members of the media, photographers, film crews, etc. Parents or guardians who make prior arrangements with the district to observe the testing environment must sign a Non-Administration Assurance of Test Security Form and must be seated far enough from students to prevent distraction or other interference with the test administration. If practic ...MORE

Sign Language Interpretation Accommodation and Statewide Assessments

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:40:00 GMT

In February 2013, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) approved the use of the Sign Language Interpretation Accommodation during the OAKS, Extended assessments, and Kindergarten assessment for all content areas except Reading (K&S)/Early Literacy (KA) and the ELPA. The ODE's policy and guidelines related to the appropriate use of this accommodation -- including qualifications for anyone who plans to serve as a signed test interpreter of Oregon's statewide assessments can be found in the Accommodations Manual at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=487.

With this approval and per OAR 581-015-2035, ODE has developed an online training and proficiency site that sign interpreters are required to complete and pass in order to qualify as a sign interpreter who provides deaf/hard-of-hearing students access to the appropriate Oregon Statewide Assessment. The training is available at the following link: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=3863.

Schools are listed by grade and SES rank with their percentage of students who met or exceeded the standard and their comparison group percent of students who met or exceeded the standard. Each subject area is contained in a separate tab in the spreadsheet.

A composite picture of a school's socioeconomic status is created based on a weighted combination of the percent of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, percent of students in an ESL program, student mobility rate, and student attendance rate.

A school's comparison group consists of t ...MORE

Secure Assessment Group Reports Updated for 2012-2013

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:31:00 GMT

Participation, Performance, Non-Linked Trend, and Strand/Trait Reports within the Assessment Group Reports application have been updated with 2012-13 data on the secure district web site (https://district.ode.state.or.us/apps/login/) as of September 12, 2013.

The Cohort Trend Reports have not been updated.

First Period Cumulative ADM 2013-2014 Opening

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:25:00 GMT

The 2013-14 First Period Cumulative ADM data collection will open on Thursday, September 26, 2013. The collection will remain open through Monday, October 28, 2013.

The collection includes enrollment data from July 1, 2013 through October 1, 2013. The First Period WebEx training materials are posted on the ODE web page link below under September 18, 2013.
https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=234.

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window Closes on September 23

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:19:00 GMT

Supplemental Report Card Validation: The validation period runs from September 12 through September 23, 2013 (Spanish versions are available September 19). The validation period is designed to allow districts and schools to revise and resubmit the customized form (spreadsheet) for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection. This is the last chance for quality assurance before the report cards are made public.

Summary Report Card Resubmission Process: To submit revised data for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection, enter changes in your original form (spreadsheet) and resubmit following the same process as the initial submission. Include the letter and curriculum sections in both Spanish and English, as well as the On Track data.

Important Reminders:

Submission of the revised form (spreadsheet) will replace the original submission in its entirety.
Do not alter the spreadsheet form in any way including ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Adopts Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:57:00 GMT

The Governing States of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) voted to approve the Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines in advance of a large-scale Field Test of the assessment system in early 2014. The unanimous decision by the Consortium's Governing States represents an important milestone toward implementing assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards in the 2014-15 school year.

Developed in collaboration with member states and nationally recognized experts, the Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines will shape the delivery of online testing for all students, including those with visual, auditory, linguistic, or physical needs. The research-based policy outlines three categories of resources to ensure that the assessments meet the needs of all students. The categories further distinguish between embedded tools included in the testing platform and non-embedded tools.

A set of ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Launches Webpage to Reach Broader Audience

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:53:00 GMT

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) recently launched a Spanish webpage with downloadable factsheets for teachers, parents, and students. The webpage provides information on the assessment system and the Consortium's work to meet the needs of all students, including English language learners (ELLs). The webpage for Spanish speakers can be accessed from the Smarter Balanced website at: http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents-students/como-ayudar-a-todos-los-estudiantes-a-que-tengan-exito/.

Oregon's State Network of Educators (SNE)

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:49:00 GMT

A group of Oregon state educators will begin identifying resources to assist states' transitions to the new Common Core State Standards and accompanying assessments. This group, the State Network of Educators (SNE), is composed of 85 educators and administrators from K-12 schools and higher education. Oregon's SNE will join more than 2,000 educators from SNEs across the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, a group of 25 states, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, working on tests and teaching resources aligned to the Common Core standards.

Specifically, the SNE will inform the design and development of the Smarter Balanced Digital Library, which will include instructional resources and professional learning support for teaching English language arts (ELA) and math. The library is expected to be completed in mid-2014.

Oregon's SNE members were selected from an applicant pool of about 400. SNE members have expertise in:

The Common Core State Standards for ELA and ma ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Field Test: Participation Opportunities for Schools and Districts

Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:39:00 GMT

In the spring (mid-March to early June) of 2014, Smarter Balanced will conduct the Field Test of its innovative next-generation assessments. Schools in Oregon have the opportunity to participate in and experience an assessment that is closely aligned with the content, configuration, and length of the planned 2015 operational assessments. Additional information about the Smarter Balanced Field Test can be accessed at http://www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/commoncore/smarter-balanced_fieldtest.pdf .

To submit your interest in participating in the 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test, click on this link: http://www.formstack.com/forms/fieldtest-recruitment.

Please submit your interest by October 15, 2013.

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Supplemental Report Card Validation: The validation period runs from September 12 through September 23, 2013. The validation period is designed to allow districts and schools to revise and resubmit the customized form (spreadsheet) for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection. This is the last chance for quality assurance before the report cards are made public.

Summary Report Card Resubmission Process: To submit revised data for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection, enter changes in your original form (spreadsheet) and resubmit following the same process as the initial submission. Include the letter and curriculum sections in both Spanish and English, as well as the On Track data.

Important Reminders:

• Submission of the revised form (spreadsheet) will replace the original submission in its entirety.

• Do not alter the spreadsheet form in any way including unlocking or altering character limits.

...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 13, 2013

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:32:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for September 13, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Mobile Secure Browsers for iPad and Android Tablets User Guide
District Test Coordinator Training Reminder
Deletion of 2012-13 Users from TIDE
New Test Security Resources Available
October 9: Monthly Informal WebEx for District Test Coordinators
Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant
- Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual
- Administering Spanis ...MORE

Mobile Secure Browsers for iPad and Android Tablets User Guide

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:39:00 GMT

In 2013-2014 we will support OAKS Online and Online Writing secure student testing on iPads and Android tablets for the first time. ELPA will continue to be available on desktops and laptops only. A User Guide with information about the installation and setup of mobile secure browsers for supported devices is now available in the Resources section of the OAKS Portal.

School and District Report Card Validation Opened on September 12, 2013

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:43:00 GMT

The redesigned 2012-2013 School and District report cards are now available for district preview on the ODE secure district site. These reports are available in the "Report Card" validation within the Achievement Data Insight application.

This preview also provides the first opportunity for schools and districts to review their Letter from the Principal/Superintendent and Curricululum and Learning Environment data that they submitted throught the Supplemental Report Card data collection.

Spanish versions of the report cards will be posted for district preview on September 19. The final preview of the report cards will be October 3, which will included suppressed rating details. The public release of the school and district report cards and ratings will be October 10.

ODE is hosting a video training on the report cards on September 12 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. You can join this training and view the handouts at kathy.brazeau@state.or.us ) and expect log-in instructions closer to the WebEx date from your ESD Partner .

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window Opens

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 17:21:00 GMT

Supplemental Report Card Validation: The validation period runs from September 12 through September 23, 2013 (Spanish versions will not be available until September 19). The validation period is designed to allow districts and schools to revise and resubmit the customized form (spreadsheet) for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection. This is the last chance for quality assurance before the report cards are made public.

Summary Report Card Resubmission Process: To submit revised data for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection, enter changes in your original form (spreadsheet) and resubmit following the same process as the initial submission. Include the letter and curriculum sections in both Spanish and English, as well as the On Track data.

Important Reminders:

Submission of the revised form (spreadsheet) will replace the original submission in its entirety.
Do not alter the spreadsheet form in any way i ...MORE

New Test Security Resources Available

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 00:05:00 GMT

As districts prepare to provide school test coordinators and test administrators with test administration and security training for 2013-14, ODE has released a 2012-13 Test Impropriety Trends Report identifying trends in reported test improprieties. This report identifies the most commonly reported types of test improprieties. To help reduce the occurrence of these common improprieties, ODE has developed new promising practices available online at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=2444. Topics include:

Student Cell Phone Access
Avoiding Retesting Students in Grades 3 - 8 without Explicit Parental Consent
Avoiding Student Coaching

First Period Cumulative ADM WebEx RESCHEDULED

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:55:00 GMT

The First Period Cumulative ADM WebEx Training has been rescheduled. The new date for the WebEx is Wednesday, September 18, 2013, between 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. The training will focus on attendance and fall membership reporting.

Access to the WebEx training and handouts will be posted on the video training link prior to WebEx date - https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=407. Click on Video Training and select the school year.

The First Period Cumulative ADM collection period will open on Thursday, September 26, 2013 and close on Monday, October 28, 2013.

Important Dates for September and October 2013

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:41:00 GMT

Date

Event

September 12

Public release of Test Results for 2012-13

September 12
@ 2 PM

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Releases New Performance Tasks

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:30:00 GMT

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) has released a set of sample assessment items and performance tasks in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The sample items and tasks provide an advance look at the types of questions students will encounter when the assessments are implemented in the 2014-15 school year. Developed in collaboration with educators and content experts, the sample items and tasks are meant to help teachers, administrators, and policymakers better understand the Common Core State Standards and prepare for the implementation of the Smarter Balanced assessments. Please note that the sample items and tasks are displayed using a simulated test platform that does not include accessibility and accommodations tools that will be available when the assessments are administered to students.

SBAC Tasks and Rubrics
http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/resources/

SBAC ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 6, 2013

Fri, 6 Sep 2013 16:24:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for September 6, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

Deletion of 2012-13 Users from TIDE

Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant

Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Test Administration Manual Available: Final for 2013-14

Science Local Performance Assessment Clarifications

...MORE

Updated Training Modules for the Kindergarten Assessment Now Available

Thu, 5 Sep 2013 16:21:00 GMT

ODE has updated the training notes for Kindergarten Assessment training modules 3, 4, and 5. An updated version of module 6 is also posted. These resources are available at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=3915.

School and District Report Cards Available for Preview on September 12, 2013

Wed, 4 Sep 2013 23:54:00 GMT

The 2012-13 school and district report cards will be available for district preview on Thursday, September 12. The report cards have been redesigned based on recommendations from an external Report Card Steering Committee. Key features of the redesign include a Letter from the Principal/Superintendent and a Curriculum and Learning Environment section. The September 12 preview will serve as the first opportunity for districts to review their August 30 submission of these sections.

ODE will host a video training on the Report Cards on Thursday, September 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. This training will provide an overview of the report cards and detailed explanations of the data contained in the report cards. To join this training, please visit the ODE Video Training web page at: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

The final preview of the school and district report cards ...MORE

Deletion of 2012-13 Users from TIDE

Wed, 4 Sep 2013 20:56:00 GMT

The 2012-2013 institution-level users will be deleted from the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) at 7 PM PT on September 21, 2013. Please download and save the institution-level users in your district before 7 PM PT on Friday, September 20.

The 2013-2014 TIDE User Guide can be accessed from http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=391. 2013-2014 TIDE opens Tuesday, October 1.

Extended Assessment: Test Administrator Training Info

Wed, 4 Sep 2013 20:47:00 GMT

Background: To administer Extended Assessments to students in the state of Oregon, educators must be appropriately trained as either a Qualified Assessor or a Qualified Trainer of the Extended Assessments. Educators who are trained in the process of administering the Extended Assessments to students are referred to as Qualified Assessors (QAs). Educators who are trained to administer the assessments as well as to train others in the administration of the assessments are referred to as Qualified Trainers (QTs).

To be a Qualified Assessor
Individuals interested in becoming Qualified Assessors will be trained by current QTs (i.e., have either refreshed and/or re-qualified or have been trained and qualified by state-level trainers this year). Qualified Assessor trainings and updates will be scheduled by their local Qualified Trainers to occur between November and the close of the assessment administration window (cf. Current Test Schedule PDF on the Extended ...MORE

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:05:00 GMT

Summary Report Card Preview: The summary report card preview will be available Sept 5. The letter and curriculum sections will be added Sept 12. The Summary Report Card can be accessed by districts through the secure Achievement Data Insight (ADI) application on the District website.

Supplemental Report Card Validation: The validation period runs from September 12 through September 23, 2013. The validation period is designed to allow districts and schools to revise and resubmit the customized form for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection. This is the last chance for quality assurance before the report cards are made public.

Summary Report Card Resubmission Process: To submit revised data for the Supplemental Report Card Data collection, enter changes in your original form (spreadsheet) and resubmit following the same process as the initial submission. Include the letter and curriculum sections in both Spanish and English, as well as the On ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 30, 2013

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:43:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for August 30, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

2013-14 Secure Browsers and Practice Tests Now Available

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

TIDE Offline September 21-30: ODE Recommends Download by 7 PM, September 20

Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant

Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Test Administration Manual Available: Final for ...MORE

TIDE Offline September 21-30: ODE Recommends Download by 7 PM, September 20

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:55:00 GMT

The Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) will be offline from Saturday, September 21 through Monday, September 30, 2013 and will re-open for the 2013-14 academic year on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. PDT. As a reminder, all institution-level users will be deleted from TIDE as part of the 2013-14 update. Districts are encouraged to download a file with institution-level users by 7 PM PT on Friday, September 20. These users can then be uploaded into TIDE after TIDE re-opens on October 1. (Note: If you are unable to download users by September 20, your ESD Partner will be available to assist you once TIDE re-opens.)

The Assessment & Accountability Checklist published on July 12 incorrectly lists the date when TIDE goes offline as September 23. ODE is correcting this error and will repost the updated Asse ...MORE

Supplemental 2012-13 Report Card Data Collection - Final Update

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:10:00 GMT

Deadline: August 30, 2013 is the deadline to submit the completed 2012-13 School and District Report Card Supplemental Data Collection templates in both English and Spanish.

The completed templates, in both English and Spanish, must be submitted to ODE as files using the Secure File Transfer Process. The templates may be zipped and submitted as a district. Detailed instructions on the submission process are available here: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3946.

Process for Missing Report Card Data: English and Spanish versions of the Superintendent and Principal letters, as well as the school curriculum and learning and district curriculum and environment information (Racial Equity in Hiring and Student Wellness Policy), must be received by August 30, 2013.

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment: Qualified Trainer and Qualified Assessor Trainings

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:07:00 GMT

Important information on the Qualified Trainer (QT) and Qualified Assessor (QA) training requirements and opportunities for the current school year can be found under the “Training” icon at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=178. Please note that if you were a QT or a QA last year, your district is relying on you to maintain district capacity. If you are unable to fill that role this year, please alert your Special Education Director so that s/he can make the appropriate decisions based on ODE projections. To ensure that QT and QA capacity is maintained for your district, please circulate this important information among previously trained Qualified Trainers, previously trained Qualified Assessors who may be interested in becoming Qualified Trainers, and individuals interested in becoming Qualified Assessors of the Extended Assessment system for the current school year.

For additional information, please contact B ...MORE

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment: Data Entry

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:03:00 GMT

Please note: Beginning in 2013-14, the window for entering Extended Assessment data will now close a week earlier to allow for the submission and analysis of grade 12 students data which are using this assessment to demonstrate proficiency in some or all of the Essential Skills in fulfillment of graduation requirements.

For additional information, please contact Brad Lenhardt at Brad.Lenhardt@state.or.us .

Updated Appendix L - Kindergarten Assessment Now Available

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:11:00 GMT

Based on questions raised during ODE-provided Kindergarten Assessment training sessions, ODE has updated Appendix L - Kindergarten Assessment to add clarification and corrections around administration of the Kindergarten Assessment. Updated language appears on pp. L-2 - L-8. In addition, ODE has clarified the guidance on p. 34 regarding the criteria for school-imposed test windows for the Kindergarten Assessment. The updated Appendix L is available at http://www.ode.state.or.us/go/tam.

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 23, 2013

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 17:08:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for August 23, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Oregon's 2013-14 Accommodations Manual

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Test Administration Manual Available: Final for 2013-14

Kindergarten Assessment Training, Schedule and Highlights

Science Local Performance Assessment Clarifications

Important Accountability Dates for the Weeks and Months Ahead

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 22:27:00 GMT

Date Event

August 29 District preview on ODE secure website, prior to public release for Final AMAO 1, 2, and 3

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=487. Of particular note, with the advent of the Kindergarten Assessment required to be administered this fall and the unique nature of this assessment, ODE has developed an accompanying accommodations table. In addition, in February 2013, ODE approved the use of the Sign Language Interpretation Accommodation during the OAKS and Extended assessments in all academic areas except Reading. Lastly, accommodations tables have been developed to support students who, per identified need, plan to demonstrate proficiency in one or more of the Essential Skills through work samples. For additional information and guidance regarding these developments, please consult the applicable sections of the Accommodations Manual.

If you have questions regarding this, please contact Brad Lenhardt at: Brad.Lenhardt@ ...MORE

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 22:40:00 GMT

Please note: Beginning in 2013-14, the window for entering Extended Assessment data will now close a week earlier to allow for the submission and analysis of grade 12 students' data who are using this assessment to demonstrate proficiency in some or all of the Essential Skills in fulfillment of graduation requirements.

If you have questions regarding this, please contact Brad Lenhardt at: Brad.Lenhardt@state.or.us .

How to Enter Freshmen on Track Data

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 22:27:00 GMT

The instructions given in the Supplemental Report Card Data template seem to have caused some confusion. Although the definition given for Freshman on Track is correct, it is not clear what needs to be input into the cells.

For the Supplemental Report Card Data template, enter counts, not percentages. In contrast, the Achievement Compact application will only accept a percentage, which you have to calculate yourself.

If you have questions regarding this, please contact Kevin Hamler-Dupras at: Kevin.Hamler-Dupras@state.or.us .
For more on the School Report Card Redesign visit: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3942.

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 16, 2013

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 17:23:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for August 16, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

2013-14 Secure Browser, Practice Tests, and Training Site

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Reminders of recent articles that remain relevant

Test Administration Manual Available: Final for 2013-14

Kindergarten Assessment Training, Schedule and Highlights

ELPA Test Specifications and Blueprints Update

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:51:00 GMT

DTCs must register annually with ODE using the DTC Designation Form and participate in annual test security and administration training provided by ODE. DTCs who do not participate in annual test security and administration training may have their access to the OAKS system revoked on a case by case basis and may not receive important updates sent to the DTC listserv.

ODE completed the first two scheduled DTC trainings earlier this week on August 13 and 15. The remaining two trainings, which will be offered via WebEx, are scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 and Thursday, September 26, 2013. To register for a training session, please contact your Regional ESD Partner .

Test Security and Administration

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:25:00 GMT

Guidance for Administering the English-only Early Math Assessment:
Refer to the Assessor copy for the verbatim directions that should be read to the students. The bolded text is what is allowed to be read. Assessors must not describe any graphics or otherwise assist the students.

Example: Sample Item #2 (from the Assessor Booklet, A2, page 3)

Only the bolded text in the assessor booklet can be read aloud to the student. An assessor may not read the numbers, spaces or images provided in the graphic (“one, blank, three”) in addition to the bolded text.

Guidance for Administering the Spanish/English (Bilingual) Early Math Assessment:
ELL-Spanish speaking students who will be assessed using the bilingual ver ...MORE

Reminder: Last Day to Make Edits to Assessment Records for Accountability Reporting

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:03:00 GMT

The last day to make edits to assessment records will be Friday, August 16, at 5 PM. Districts who have not already done so should review the data available in the Achievement Data Insight (ADI) application to determine whether additional edits are necessary. Training on the ADI is posted at https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

For further information, please contact your Regional ESD partners .

Reminder: Last Day to Make Edits to Third Period Cumulative ADM for Accountability Reporting

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:59:00 GMT

The last day to make edits to Third Period Cumulative ADM will be Friday, August 16, at 5 PM. Districts who have not already done so should review the data available in the Achievement Data Insight (ADI) application to determine whether additional edits are necessary. Training on the ADI is posted at https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

To request an extension for Third Period Cumulative ADM this week, please contact your Regional ESD partners or Isabella Jacoby .

School and District Report Card Validations Refreshed on August 15

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 21:52:00 GMT

On August 15 ODE will update the Achievement Data Insight validations to reflect data submitted/edited by August 9. The validations that will be updated include:

Attendance

Spring Membership

Student Performance for Reading, Mathematics, Writing, and Science

Report Card (school and district details)

Not Chronically Absent

Student Enrollment

The last day to make edits to the data sources for these validations is Friday, August 16, at 5 PM. The final refresh of this data will be August 22.

For further information, please contact your Regional ESD partners or Jon Wiens .

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 9, 2013

Fri, 9 Aug 2013 16:09:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for August 9, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

New Mathematics Assessment Specialist at ODE

Reminder: DTC Trainings Begin Next Week

Accountability Reporting

Refinement of Freshmen on Track

New Report Card Validations Now Open in ADI

Interpreting School Ratings

Supplemental 2012-13 Report Card Data Collection Window

District Details/AMO Validation Available August 8, 2013

Impor ...MORE

New Mathematics Assessment Specialist comes to ODE

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 21:53:00 GMT

Bryan Toller is the new Mathematics Assessment Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education. He brings with him thirteen years of classroom teaching experience, including six years at Southridge High School in the Beaverton School District and seven years teaching at Perrydale High School in the Perrydale School District. Bryan has a broad perspective gained from working in large urban school and a small rural school that will be valuable in his new position. Recently married, Bryan and his new wife live in Salem and enjoy getting outdoors as much as possible. Bryan received his BS in Mathematics from Linfield College and his MAT from Pacific University.

Refinement of Freshmen on Track

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 21:44:00 GMT

In order to better align Achievement Compacts with the New Oregon Report Card, OEIB has authorized using the data provided in the Supplemental Report Card Data Submission for Freshmen on Track for next year's Achievement Compacts (the ones setting targets for 2014-15). Although this requires a slight refinement of the definition of Freshmen on Track used for Achievement Compacts going forward, districts do not need to change what they are doing for the current round of Achievement Compacts (the ones setting targets for 2013-14), nor do they need to go back and revise any Freshmen on Track data already submitted. Remember that the Freshmen on Track data need to be entered as counts, not percentages.

If you have questions regarding this, please contact Kevin Hamler-Dupras at: Kevin.Hamler-Dupras@state.or.us .
For more on the School Report Card Redesign visit: ...MORE

New Report Card Validations Now Open in ADI

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 21:19:00 GMT

Two new report card validations opened in the Achievement Data Insight (ADI) application last week. These validations will be used to populate portions of the School Profile and District Profile sections on the new report cards (see sample report cards).

Student Enrollment: this validation displays counts of students by grade level and subgroup, based on the attending district or school in the Spring Membership extract.

Not Chronically Absent: this validation displays a student's total days present and absent, within the attending district or school in the Spring Membership extract. Flags are included to indicate which students are included as “Not Chronically Absent” (present for at least 90% of their total membership days).

These validations will remain open until August 16.

If you have questions, please review the instructions available at the bottom of each validation, use the “Ask a Question” feature, or contact ...MORE

Interpreting School Ratings

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 21:05:00 GMT

When interpreting report card ratings, it is helpful to keep the following descriptions in mind for the overall rating:
Level 1 = Falls into the bottom 5% of schools
Level 2 = Falls between 5% and 15% of schools
Level 3 = Falls between 15% and 44% of schools
Level 4 = Falls between 44% and 90% of schools
Level 5 = Falls into the top 10% of schools

Generally, a school that receives an overall rating of Level 4 or 5 is above average. Those at the low end of Level 4 would be considered average, while those with a rating of Level 3 or lower would be below average.

The overall rating is based on a weighted average of ratings for Achievement, Growth, Subgroup Growth, and, for high schools, Graduation and Subgroup Graduation. In terms of Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs), a Level 4 or better in Achievement corresponds to meeting the AMO; a Level 3 or better in Graduation corresponds to meeting the AMO. ...MORE

Information for the Smarter Balanced Field Test

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 19:02:00 GMT

Testing Window:

The Smarter Balanced Field Test is scheduled to be administered

March 18 - June 6, 2014.

Smarter Balanced Practice Test News

Thu, 8 Aug 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Help Desk Support:
On August 1, support for the Practice Test opened. The scheduled days and hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. eastern time to 4 p.m. Hawaii time (excluding holidays). You can call the Help Desk toll-free at 1-855-833-1969 or email us at smarterbalancedhelpdesk@ets.org . ETS associates are trained to handle a variety of inquiries. Questions regarding accessing the practice test, practice test accommodations, use and purpose of the practice test, and technical issues related to taking the practice test are welcomed and encouraged.

Practice Test Enhancements Starting August 15

Special forms for Math (Spanish glossary, Braille, and Text-to-Speech for Grades 4, 5, 6, and 8)

Special forms for English Language Arts (ELA) (Braille and Text to Speech for Grades 3, 5, 6, and 8)

Math per ...MORE

District Details/AMO Validation Available August 8

Wed, 7 Aug 2013 15:09:00 GMT

The District Detail/AMO reports will be available for review on August 8 on the ODE secure district site. These reports are available in the "Report Card" validation within the Achievement Data Insight application. The validation will close on August 16 and final reports will be available for district review on August 22. The district details will be publicly released on October 10.

These reports displays district level data for four indicators (i.e., achievement, growth, graduation, and assessment participation) disaggregated by subgroup and by grade band. The report also indicate whether districts have met AMO targets for achievement, graduation, and participation by subgroup. Specifically, a "Level 4" or higher for achievement, a "Level 3" or higher for graduation, and a "Met" for participation indicate that a district has met the respective AMO.

Please visit https://district.ode ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 1, 2013

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 21:45:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for August 1, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Test Administration Manual Now Available: Final for 2013-14

District Test Coordinators Training Schedule and Registration

Kindergarten Assessment Training, Schedule and Highlights

ELPA Test Specifications and Blueprints Updated

Science Local Performance Assessment Clarifications

Accountability Reporting

Setting the 1% Cap on Extended Assessments
...MORE

Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design Student Anchor Papers Wanted

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 21:32:00 GMT

ODE would like to update the science assessment web page with new student anchor papers for Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design at all benchmark levels and needs educators in the field to send in sample student papers.

Each student paper must have a signed student/parent permission release form (http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/subjects/science/assessment/sci_student_perm_form.pdf ).

Also, ODE asks that the educator fill out the Development of Science Anchor Papers form (http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/subjects/science/assessment/dvlpmnt_sci_anchor_papers.pdf ) to give context of the task. Please mail task ...MORE

Kindergarten Assessment: Window Opens August 12, Training Required

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 21:12:00 GMT

Monday, August 12, 2013 marks the opening of the Kindergarten Assessment window; the window will close Thursday, October 24, 2013.

Many District Test Coordinators and some Kindergarten Teachers have already taken part in trainings for DTCs, from all districts supporting Kindergarten programs, held in May through July. If a DTC has not yet registered, you must contact their Regional ESD Partner . DTCs who are unable to participate in one of these ODE-provided trainings must notify their Regional ESD Partner by August 8, 2013 and make arrangements for make-up training. The Kindergarten Assessment Training will follow a train-the-trainer model. Districts are welcome to include additional staff beyond the DTC (e.g., school test coordinators, kindergarten teachers, or others who will administer the assessment) at the O ...MORE

District Test Coordinators: Trainings and Registration Required

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 21:03:00 GMT

DTCs must register annually with ODE using the DTC Designation Form located at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=499 and participate in annual test security and administration training provided by ODE. DTCs who do not participate in annual test security and administration training may have their access to the OAKS system revoked on a case by case basis and may not receive important updates sent to the DTC listserv.

The following table includes the 2013-14 schedule for the required annual ODE-provided test security and administration training. All training sessions will be conducted via WebEx. For the 2013-14 school year, both the test security and administration, and the Kindergarten Assessment training are required. For more information about District Test Coordinator Training, see the pages 5 to 6 of the 2013-2014 Test Administration Manual (www.ode.state.or.us/go/tam). ...MORE

Test Administration Manual Now Available: Final for 2013-14

Thu, 1 Aug 2013 20:57:00 GMT

ODE has posted the final 2013-14 Test Administration Manual to http://www.ode.state.or.us/go/tam. The 2013-14 Test Administration Manual contains several important changes compared to the 2012-13 Test Administration Manual. These changes are summarized below:

Added Kindergarten Assessment to Oregon's Statewide Assessment System

Updated training requirements for DTCs, STCs, and TAs

Added a new standard testing condition, formerly identified as an accommodation

Added clarification that the Writing Assessment will remain available only for eligible students in Grades 11 and 12

Updated the ELPA Test Window to close April 15, 2014

Added cell phone reminder to student directions

Reorganized student directions for ease of reading

Updated subject-specific allowable resource lists to include enlarged print size and computer-based read-aloud as available by subject, both formerly ident ...MORE

Science Local Performance Assessment Clarifications for 2013-2014

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:51:00 GMT

In June 2008, the State Board of Education adopted OAR 581-022-0615: Assessment of Essential Skills. This rule requires school districts and public charter schools to administer local performance assessments on an annual basis to all students in Grades 3 through 8 and once in high school in the following skill areas: Writing, Speaking, Mathematical Problem Solving, and Scientific Inquiry. Local performance assessment in social sciences is optional.

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that Oregon students are afforded opportunities to learn and to receive feedback regarding their progress toward meeting specific state standards throughout their years in public schools.

As for meeting the local performance assessment in Scientific Inquiry, there has been some confusion on whether or not Engineering Design work samples can “replace” Scientific Inquiry work samples in order to fulfill this requirement. Engineering Design work samples cannot currently< ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Practice Test and Scoring Guides

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:45:00 GMT

Teachers, parents, and students across the country can now access online practice tests aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Smarter Balanced released sets of example test questions for grades 3-8 and 11 in both English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Practice Tests will help schools prepare for the implementation of the Smarter Balanced assessment system in the 2014-15 school year.

The Practice Tests provide a preview of the types of questions that will be featured in the summative assessment beginning in 2014-15, including selected-response items, constructed-response items, technology-enhanced items, and performance tasks - extended activities that challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to real-world problems. Scoring Guides for each of the fixed-form assessments have also been released and posted to assist stakeholders with understanding how items are evaluated: http://s ...MORE

Smarter Balanced State Leadership Team and State Network of Educators Update

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 16:38:00 GMT

Smarter Balanced is committed to providing formative resources, tools, and professional learning opportunities for educators to tailor instruction based on student needs. The Digital Library, which is scheduled for release in 2014, is a critical component of the Smarter Balanced system of assessments that will include a variety of resources to improve teaching and learning. It is interactive and allows educators from member states to use and rate resources and collaborate.

State Leadership Team (SLT)
Oregon's SLT will mentor and provide professional development to Oregon's State Network of Educators as they develop and evaluate resources for the Smarter Balanced Digital Library. Oregon's SLT members consist of four English Language Arts content experts and four Mathematics content experts:

Carol Larson, English Language Arts (Willamette ESD)

Dr. Cornelia Paraskevas, English Language Arts (Western Oregon University)

Dr. Dev Sinha, Mathematics (Uni ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Checklist for 2013-14 Posted

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 17:09:00 GMT

The 2013-14 Assessment and Accountability Checklist has been posted and is available at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/testing/admin/asmtacctbltychecklist1314.pdf

This initial version covers the period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. Events occurring from July 2014 - October 2014 will be added during the fall.

If you have any questions regarding the overall structure or content, please contact Kathy Busby, at kathy.busby@state.or.us , or by phone at 503-947-5844.

ELPA Test Specifications and Blueprints Updated for 2013-2014

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 16:49:00 GMT

The ELPA Test Specifications and Blueprint documents have been updated for the 2013-14 school year. These documents outline the procedures for the development and the administration of the ELPA. This includes item specifications, the test blueprint for 2013-14, and the recently-updated and adopted ELPA cut scores and proficiency level descriptors. Additionally, the hand-scored item rubrics are available for classroom use in preparation for the ELPA. The updated test specifications documents can be found at this web address: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=496.

College and Career Ready English Language Proficiency Standards: Timeline for District Implementation

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 16:48:00 GMT

The Oregon Department of Education anticipates the new English language proficiency standards in draft form later this summer, with finalization and formal adoption planned in the fall. Once adopted, ODE anticipates implementation of the new standards in the fall of 2014-2015. Pending formal adoption of the new standards in fall of 2013-2014, ODE and the advisory team will review and recommend instruction materials in August, 2014. The State Board of Education would then adopt instruction materials in October, 2014, with the materials required to be in classrooms by the fall of 2015-2016. This provides districts with two years of having the new standards and one full year with the new instructional materials prior to the ELPA21 assessment, which is anticipated to replace the Oregon ELPA in the 2016-2017 school year. A review of the draft standards will begin on Friday, August 2, 2013 and will conclude on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

To review the standards and parti ...MORE

Next Generation Science Standards and Oregon Science Education

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 16:47:00 GMT

In April 2013, the final Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a new set of voluntary, rigorous, and internationally benchmarked standards for K-12 science education, were released. During the coming months, the Oregon State Board of Education will determine whether to adopt the NGSS. Oregon Department of Education staff, in collaboration with a science content and assessment advisory group, will review the final NGSS and provide analysis, including a comparison to Oregon's current Science Academic Content Standards, as well as develop a timeline for adoption, transition, implementation, and assessment.

Should the State Board adopt the Next Generation Science Standards, it is important to remember that adoption does not mean instant implementation. It will take a number of years before the NGSS are implemented and assessed in Oregon schools. If they are adopted, through a thoughtful transition and implement ...MORE

Important Dates for the Weeks and Months Ahead

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:51:00 GMT

Date Event

June 6 -
August 16 Assessment Report Validation Window for Assessment Performance and Participation for Reading, Math, and Science

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3946. These templates include blank grey cells for you to input data for both Spanish and English versions of the Principal or Superintendent Letter and Curriculum and Learning Environment data. The completed template, including both Spanish and English messages, must be submitted to ODE no later than August 30, 2013.

This type of submission, which requires messages from both Principals and Superintendents, is new. Districts should anticipate additional time will be required to complete translations into Spanish, which is a requirement. You can find the current Report Card prototypes, along with the Report Card Steering Committee Final Report, on the ODE website at http://www.ode.state. ...MORE

School and District Report Cards for 2012-13

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:04:00 GMT

The New Oregon Report Cards are projected to be available for the districts to preview in mid-August on the Achievement Data Insight (ADI) validation site. The Report Card Detail reports are already available on ADI. Public release of the school and district report cards remains scheduled for October 10. If you do not have access to the ADI application, please contact your district security administrator. Permissions must be granted separately for each individual validation.

Revised sample draft reports have been posted at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3942, where you can also access additional information.

School and District Report Card Trainings

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:49:00 GMT

The WebEx on the Summary Report Card has been moved from August 1 to August 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.

There will be a presentation August 1 on the Report Card Rating Details and Supplemental Report Card Data at COSA's Summer Assessment Institute. This presentation will be at the 10:45 and 2:30 Breakout Sessions, entitled “How to Read School and District Report Cards for 2012-13.”

A WebEx on these topics was given July 12. The recording of this training and associated PowerPoint can be found at: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?ID=226.

Job Opening with the Office of Assessment and Information Services

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 21:57:00 GMT

ODE currently has an opening for an Operations Data Analyst. If you would like to help make sure educators and the public have high quality information that will help improve learning for every student, please apply here.

Report Card Validation Refresh Dates

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 00:08:00 GMT

PLEASE NOTE: The next refresh of report card data in the Achievement Data Insight (ADI) validation application will be August 1. The refresh that was supposed to occur July 25 has been canceled. The last day for changes before the refresh is July 26. The remainder of the schedule remains the same:

< ...MORE

2013 - 2014 Assessment and Accountability Checklist Posted

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 20:37:00 GMT

The 2013-14 Assessment and Accountability Checklist has been posted at http://www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/testing/admin/asmtacctbltychecklist1314.pdf

This document provides information to District Test Coordinators, Data Submitters and Superintendents, including:

Assessment testing windows for the 2013-14 school year

Key events and district responsibilities related to the ordering, handling, administration, and reporting of Oregon Statewide Assessment results

Data collection windows, related to the school and district accountability reports for the 2013-14 school year

Key events and district responsibilities related to student and staff level data collection used in school and district report cards, and assessment group reports

Supplemental 2012-13 Report Card Data Collection Templates Posted

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 19:03:00 GMT

Customized Excel workbook templates have been made available at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3946. These templates include blank grey cells for you to input data for both Spanish and English versions of the Principal or Superintendent Letter and Curriculum and Learning Environment data. The completed template, including both Spanish and English messages, must be submitted to ODE no later than August 30, 2013.

This type of submission, which requires messages from both Principals and Superintendents, is new. Districts should anticipate additional time will be required to complete translations into Spanish., which is a requirement. You can find the current Report Card prototypes, along with the Report Card Steering Committee Final Report, on the ODE website at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3942. Slight changes are still being made to ...MORE

Important Update on Supplemental 2012-13 Report Card Data Collection

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 22:34:00 GMT

We know this is an incredibly busy time as you finalize your educator evaluation assurance form submissions. Please note that there is no immediate action needed on the information below. We simply wanted to provide the following information about the new August Report Card submission deadlines so you could begin planning prior to leaving for the summer.

The new Oregon Report Card provides an opportunity to convey a clearer, deeper and more engaging picture of how our schools are doing. On June 21,2013, ODE sent out an Executive Numbered Memo describing the new Report Card and some of its new features including elements not previously submitted by Oregon schools and districts. We are committed to providing meaningful and relevant information to your families and communities through these new Report Cards, and we need your help in telling your story and personalizing this information.

To populate these new, more personalized, sections of the Report Card you will ...MORE

DRAFT School and District Report Card Policy and Technical Manual Posted

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:37:00 GMT

ODE has posted a DRAFT Report Card Policy and Technical Manual. The draft manual includes detailed information on the Report Card school rating methodology. ODE shall update this manual in July to include information on the redesigned school and district report cards. For a copy of the draft manual, please visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3881.

Assessment and Accountability Update - June 20, 2013

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 01:17:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for June 20, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

OAKS Online Partials Available

Common Core ELA Alignment Documents Posted

Final ELPA 2012-13 Test Scores Now Available

Senior Writing Re-Test Opportunity Extended for 2013-2014

Secure Browser Support Plan for 2013-14 Now Available

Accountability Reporting

Achievement Compact Deadline Extended to October 15

Report Card Validation Training Mov ...MORE

Report Card Validation Training Postponed

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

The Report Card Video Training scheduled for June 20 is cancelled and will be re-scheduled for early July. More information will be posted in the Assessment & Accountability Update for this week.

For information on how to join this training, and for archived Report Card and Student Centered Staging trainings, please visit https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?ID=226.

OAKS Online Partials Available

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:44:00 GMT

OAKS Online partial test records (any test where the student completed one or more questions, but never finished the test) were loaded to Student Centered Staging on Friday, June 7. Records where the student completed 1-4 questions have a Test Attempted flag of 'P' and no scores or performance levels. Records where the student completed 5 or more questions have a Test Attempted flag of 'Y' and an adjusted total score (no strand scores) and performance levels and a Rescore flag of 'Y'.

OAKS Online partial records are available for download in the Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) and Secure Assessment Reports applications as of Saturday, June 8. If you do not have access to these applications, please contact your district security administrator.

The last batch of ELPA records was loaded on Monday, June 10. All ELPA records are currently available for download and editing in Student Centered Staging ...MORE

Final ELPA 2012-13 Test Scores Now Available

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:41:00 GMT

Scores for students who completed the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) between April 1 and April 30, 2013 were posted in Student Centered Staging on the ODE secure district website and also in OAKS Online Reports on Monday, June 10. Additionally, scores for those students who completed all questions on the ELPA but who did not hit the final “submit” button were also posted on Monday, June 10. Individual Student Reports (ISRs), Class Rosters and Class Summary reports for these records are available in the Secure Assessment Reports 2.0 application on the ODE secure district website as of Tuesday, June 11. Please note that there is a one-day lag for changes to test records in Student Centered Staging (district edits or newly loaded records) to be available in the Warehouse applications (Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) and Secure Assessment Reports 2.0). If you do not have access to the Student Centered Staging, AWE, or Secure Assessment Reports 2.0 applica ...MORE

Common Core ELA Alignment Documents Posted

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:39:00 GMT

The Office of Assessment has posted a new set of English Language Arts documents designed to provide districts with guidance on making the transition from OAKS assessments to those measuring the new Common Core State Standards. Entitled Alignment of English Language Arts Standards to the Common Core, grade-by-grade versions and a full compilation across all grades can be found at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3298.

These documents provide educators information about the degree of alignment between the currently-assessed Oregon ELA standards and the new Common Core Standards, what knowledge and skills will be new or moved to a different grade level, how the emphasis might be shifting relating to specific skills, and what might be tested on the state test that previously would have been part of a classroom assessment.

Senior Writing Retest Opportunity Extended for 2013-2014

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:37:00 GMT

At the request of several districts, ODE will be offering grade 12 students who have not yet passed the state writing assessment the opportunity to re-test in either the winter or the spring window in 2013-2014. This is in contrast to this year's test schedule where grade 12 students could only test in the first (winter) window. It is important to note, however, that results from the second (spring) window will not be available until early July 2014, and would not come in time to use for decisions relating to graduations and diplomas being awarded in June.

Report Card Validations for 2012-13 Open in June and July

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:29:00 GMT

Validations currently open. ODE held a Video Training on these validations on June 12.

Highly Qualified Teachers

Performance and Participation for Reading, Math, and Science

Spring Membership

Attendance

Validations opened on June 20. ODE will be holding a Video Training on this validation on July 12 from 2 to 3:30 PM.

Student Growth for Reading and Mathematics

Validations opening on July 11. ODE will be holding a Video Training on this validation on July 12 from 2 to 3:30 PM.

Report Card Rating Details

For information on how to join these trainings, and for an archived presentation of the new Achievement Data Insight Validation site, please visit the https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?ID=226.

Report Card Validation Training Moved from June 20 to July 12

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:27:00 GMT

The Report Card Video Training has been moved from June 20 to July 12 at 2 PM. This training will focus on the growth model and school rating system. For information on how to join this training, and for archived Report Card and Student Centered Staging trainings, please visit https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?ID=226.

New Training Materials Posted

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:23:00 GMT

The June 6, WebEx training “How to use the Achievement Data Insight Validation Site” has been posted on the District Training Site. The video training provides a general overview of the ADI application and step by step examples of navigating the application. In addition, the PowerPoint presentation used during the training can be accessed by following the same link.

The June 12, WebEx training “Report Card and Student Centered Staging” has been posted on the District Training Site. The video training, PowerPoint presentation, and handouts are available for viewing.

All WebEx training material, including the trainings mentioned above, can be found at the District Training Site: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

Assessment and Accountability Update - June 6, 2013

Thu, 6 Jun 2013 22:05:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for June 6, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

2013-14 DTC Form Now Available

Updated Kindergarten Assessment Resources Webpage Now Available

Smarter Balanced Releases Online Practice Tests

Smarter Balanced Statewide Network of Educators

Accountability Reporting

Assessment and Accountability Checklist for 2012-2013 Revised

New Job Posting

Annual Cumulative ADM Data Collection and Third Pe ...MORE

Important Dates for June 2013

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 22:04:00 GMT

Last day for changes Refresh date in ADI

July 26 August 1, 2013

August 2 August 8, 2013

Date Event

June 1 Appeals of Winter Writing Scores due to ODE

https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?ID=226.

PSAT Important Deadlines

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 17:56:00 GMT

ODE will once again be paying for PSAT tests taken by eligible 10th graders. Please note the following important dates:

June 28: Order by this date to ensure delivery of Student Guides by September and availability of fee waivers.

Aug. 28: Deadline for receipt of completed SSD accommodations requests

Aug. 30: Last date for U.S. schools to reduce test orders

Sept. 27 at 6 PM: Deadline for U.S. schools to increase test orders

Sept. 27 at 6 PM: Deadline for ordering nonstandard test formats at www.collegeboard.org/school

Oct. 16: Wednesday test date

For more information, go to: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=1978.

New District Validation Site Video Training/WebEx moved to June 6, 2013

Tue, 4 Jun 2013 21:55:00 GMT

The Video Training/WebEx "How to use the Achievement Data Insight Validation Site" has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 6 at 10 AM and will be recorded for later viewing. This WebEx will introduce the new enhanced district validation site which will be used for Report Card and other validations starting on June 6. Enhancements include the ability to download aggregate and student level data directly from the validation site. Handouts will be available on the Video Training website: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

To join the online meeting, go to https://oregoned.webex.com/oregoned/j.php?ED=228214087&UID=496451042&RT=MiM0 and enter your name and email address. No password is required for this meeting.

Additional timelines are available in the Assessment and Accountability Checklist at < ...MORE

New District Validation Site Video Training/WebEx on June 4, 2013

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 17:44:00 GMT

The Video Training/WebEx "How to use the Achievement Data Insight Validation Site" is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4 at 2 PM and will be recorded for later viewing. This WebEx will introduce the new enhanced district validation site which will be used for Report Card and other validations starting on June 6. Enhancements include the ability to download aggregate and disaggregated data directly from the validation site. Handouts will be available on the Video Training website: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

To join the online meeting, go to https://oregoned.webex.com/oregoned/j.php?ED=226823717&UID=496451152&RT=MiM0 and enter your name and email address. Password: training123.

Additional timelines are available in the Assessment and Accountability Checklist at Assessment & Accountability Update for May 30, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Smarter Balanced Statewide Network of Educators

Updated Kindergarten Assessment Resources Webpage Now Available

OAKS Online and Writing Test Windows Now Closed

Smarter Balanced Releases Online Practice Tests

2013-14 DTC Form Now Available

Accountability Reporting

Assessment and Accountability Checklist for 2012-2013 Revised

New Job Posting

New Job Posting

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:37:00 GMT

ODE's Accountability Reporting Team is looking for a data-savvy individual with an eye for detail and excellent communication skills. For more information or to apply, please click on the following link: EDUC13-0030 Research Analyst 3 (Data Quality Analyst).

Annual Cumulative ADM Data Collection and Third Period Audit Review

Wed, 29 May 2013 18:08:00 GMT

The Annual Cumulative ADM data collection opened on Thursday, May 23, 2013 and will close on Monday, July 15, 2013. The collection reporting period covers July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013. The WebEx training for this collection has been posted to the ODE Video Training Web Page under May 16, 2013 - https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

The Third Period Cumulative ADM Audit Review will open Monday, June 3, 2013 and will close Wednesday, June 12, 2013. The collection will be open to all school districts during the audit review. The Audit Review Manual is located - https://district.ode.state.or.us/apps/info/docs/5-15-13_Updated_Audits_and_Reviews_Guide.pdf .

If you have questions regarding the Annual Cumula ...MORE

Staging, Secure Assessment Reports and Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) Applications Alert

Wed, 29 May 2013 17:56:00 GMT

Student Centered Staging and Secure Assessment Reports will remain closed until noon on May 30. The Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) is open but processing of some test records did not complete by the earlier scheduled time of noon on May 29. Please wait to extract test records from AWE until after noon on May 30. Contact your Regional ESD Partner if you have any questions.

Smarter Balanced Releases Online Practice Tests

Wed, 29 May 2013 17:17:00 GMT

Examples provide early look at next-generation assessments aligned to the Common Core

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- May 29, 2013 -- Teachers, parents, and students across the country can now access online practice tests aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) today released sets of example test questions for grades 3-8 and 11 in both English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Practice Tests will help schools prepare for the implementation of the Smarter Balanced Assessment System in the 2014-15 school year.

“The release of online Practice Tests reflects the tremendous progress of the state-led effort to develop next-generation assessments,” said Joe Willhoft, Ph.D., executive direct ...MORE

Updated Kindergarten Assessment Resources Webpage Now Available

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

ODE has updated its Kindergarten Assessment Resources webpage to provide resources specifically to help district and school staff administer the new Kindergarten Assessment starting in 2013-14. This page contains information pertaining to the required ODE-provided Kindergarten Assessment Trainings, frequently asked questions, and links to additional resources.

For more information about the purpose and design of the Kindergarten Assessment, please continue to visit the official Kindergarten Assessment webpage available at http://oregonearlylearning.com/kindergarten-assessment/. The official Kindergarten Assessment webpage also includes links aimed at specific audiences including parents, schools, and early childcare providers.

Assessment and Accountability Update - May 23, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:28:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for May 23, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Smarter Balanced State Network of Educators

State Board Adopts New ELPA Cut Scores

OAKS Online and Writing Test Windows Now Closed

DTC Form for 2013-14 Now Available

Accountability Reporting

Assessment and Accountability Checklist for 2012-2013 Revised

Student Centered Staging Closes for Report Card Preliminary Processing

District Contacts fo ...MORE

Accountability Warehouse Extract Application Alert - May 23, 2013

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:35:00 GMT

Starting May 29 afternoon assessment data with updated accountability reporting flags and student demographics will be available through the Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) application.

The first major processing of 2012-2013 assessment data, for the use in the upcoming accountability reports (School and District Report Cards, etc.), is scheduled to occur this weekend (5/24/13 - 5/27/13). During this processing, almost every 2012-2013 Assessment record will be updated. May 28 is scheduled for data quality checks to ensure updates were implemented correctly.

Impact for users of the Accountability Warehouse Extract application:

Any Bulk Extracts and Regional Warehouse Extracts requests scheduled or submitted while processing is being completed (5/24 - 5/27) will be bypassed and no data returned.

All Incremental and Full extracts that have been scheduled or requested through the application may be sign ...MORE

DTC Form for 2013-14 Now Available

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:52:00 GMT

The 2013-14 District Test Coordinator and Information Only Contact Form is now available on the ODE website at: www.ode.state.or.us/groups/supportstaff/districttestcoordinators/dtc_designation_form1314.pdf

To access this form and other DTC resources, visit the District Test Coordinator webpage at: www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?=499.

Assessment and Accountability Checklist for 2012-2013 Revised

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:49:00 GMT

The Assessment & Accountability Checklist for 2012-2013 has been revised and posted at: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=472. Please note the revision history on pages 46-47.

Important Dates for May - June 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:04:00 GMT

Date Event

May 20
@ 11:59 PM ELPA April 2013 (Batch 4) Preliminary Scores available in Online Reporting System

Test Administration Manual

Student Centered Staging Closes for Report Card Preliminary Processing

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:58:00 GMT

Student Centered Staging will be closed for editing all 2012-2013 test records at the following times:

Thursday, May 23 at 5 PM until noon on Wednesday, May 29.

Friday, May 31 at 5 PM until noon on Tuesday, June 4.

Secure Assessment Reports for 2012-2013 will also be unavailable during this time.

Staffing Change in Office of Assessment and Information Services

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:54:00 GMT

As many of you already know, Josh Klein's last day at the Oregon Department of Education will be May 27, 2013. He has accepted the position of Chief Information Officer for Portland Public Schools. During his eleven years with ODE Josh has been an incredible asset to the organization, we are sad to see Josh leave but know that he will be connected to our work through his new position and will be a trusted advisor from the field. Josh has staffed his work units with talented staff and created one of the most effective IT infrastructures in state government. The PPS staff, students and community are very lucky to obtain someone with his unique talents.

Effective May 28, 2013, Derek Brown, currently a Manager in the Office of Assessment and Information Services, will be the Interim Chief Information Officer for ODE while we recruit for Josh's replacement. Derek will primarily assume the responsibility for managing Josh's current direct reports including the Project Management Office ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Selected to Replace OAKS Starting in 2015

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:48:00 GMT

Oregon Department of Education recently convened a workgroup of 18 education stakeholders to review all assessment options and identify the assessment that will best meet the needs of our students, our schools, and our state. The workgroup's unanimous recommendation was for Oregon to adopt Smarter Balanced. On Thursday, May 16, the State Board considered the workgroup's recommendation and selected Smarter Balanced to test students' mastery of the new Common Core State Standards in English and math starting in the 2014-15 school year.

Learn more at http://www.ode.state.or.us/news/Announcements/announcement.aspx?ID=9099.

State Board Adopts New ELPA Cut Scores

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:14:00 GMT

On May 17, 2013 the State Board of Education adopted the new English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) performance standards (“cut scores”) and the updated ELPA Performance Level Descriptors, based on recommendation by panels of stakeholders in November 2012 and February 2013. This work was completed at the request of superintendents from across the state, and in response to the larger ELPA item pool.

The newly-adopted ELPA performance standards, and the updated Performance Level Descriptors, along with additional resources are posted at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=3896. As with the previous ELPA performance standards, these new cut scores also align the English Language Proficiency Standards that were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2005, and will go into effect during the ELPA window in 2013-14.

More information about the State Board of Education is posted at
We want you to be part of Oregon's State Network of Educators!
Smarter Balanced and Oregon are seeking 85 K-12 educators who have significant experience in formative assessment and deep knowledge of English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to join Oregon's State Network of Educators and help review professional learning resources for the Smarter Balanced Digital Library.

State Network of Educators (SNE) The SNEs will work with Oregon's State Leadership Team and play a critical role in identifying, submitting, and vetting resources for the Digital Library. Specifically, between September, 2013 and September, 2014, SNEs will:

Receive five (5) web-based trainings

Propose and review content for the Lib ...MORE

Assessment and Accountability Update - May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:39:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for May 16, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

OAKS Online and Writing Test Windows Close May 22

ELPA Batch 3 Results Now Available

ELPA Batch 4 Preliminary Scores Available May 20

Upcoming Professional Development with ODE Staff Presenters

Accountability Reporting

Student Centered Staging to Close for Report Card Preliminary Processing

Support for Staff Position and Class Size Collections

ELPA March 2013 (Batch 3) Results Now Available

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:05:00 GMT

Scores for students who completed the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) between March 1 and March 31, 2013 were posted in Student Centered Staging and Accountability Warehouse Extract (AWE) on the ODE secure district website and also in OAKS Online Reports on Wednesday, May 15. Individual Student Reports (ISRs), Class Rosters and Class Summary reports are available in the Secure Assessment Reports 2.0 application on the ODE secure district website as of Wednesday, May 15. Please note that there is a one-day lag for changes to test records in Student Centered Staging (district edits or newly loaded records) to be available in the Warehouse applications (AWE and Secure Assessment Reports 2.0). If you do not have access to Student Centered Staging, AWE, or Secure Assessment Reports 2.0 applications, please contact your district security administrator.

District Test Coordinators may edit ...MORE

ELPA April 2013 (Batch 4) Preliminary Scores Available May 20

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:59:00 GMT

Preliminary ELPA Batch 4 scores will be available for viewing in OAKS Online under the Online Reporting menu on May 20, 2013. This final batch of ELPA scores for the 2012-13 test window is made up of the ELPA test results submitted April 1 - April 30. Please note that these preliminary scores have not yet been through the final quality check that ODE performs prior to posting the scores in Student Centered Staging. The final and official version of the Batch 4 scores will post in Student Centered Staging on June 10, 2013.

Server Work This Weekend (May 10-11, 2013)

Thu, 9 May 2013 22:11:00 GMT

ODE is replacing the department's data backup system this weekend. There will be intermittent server outages Friday night and Saturday temporarily affecting all ODE services. Interruptions to services are expected to be very brief.

For those who have scheduled Incremental or Full Extracts from Accountability Warehouse Extract on Friday, the Extracts should be available by Monday morning.

Assessment and Accountability Update - May 9, 2013

Thu, 9 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for May 9, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Correction to Required Kindergarten Assessment Training Schedule

OAKS Online and Writing Test Windows Close May 22

ELPA Batch 3 Results

Upcoming Professional Development with ODE Staff Presenters

Accountability Reporting

Student Centered Staging Video Training/WebEx May 15, 2013

Student Centered Staging to Close for Report Card Preliminary Processing

OAKS Online and Writing Test Windows Close May 22, 2013

Wed, 8 May 2013 19:13:00 GMT

The OAKS Online, Online Writing, and paper-based Writing test windows will close on Wednesday, May 22. Once the window closes, students will no longer have access to their online tests, and AIR will push through all partial OAKS Online and Online Writing tests for scoring. Paper-based writing tests completed after May 22 will be treated as invalid and will not be scored.

Districts must ensure that all unused paper-based writing test booklets, including blank overage booklets, are securely shredded and that all completed tests are shipped for scoring by Monday, June 3. When packaging completed tests for return shipping, districts must use the return mailing labels included in the Return Kit delivered to districts during the week of May 3. Instructions for packaging completed tests for return shipment and scoring are included on p. G-19 of the Test Admin ...MORE

ELPA Batch 3 Results

Wed, 8 May 2013 19:10:00 GMT

The ELPA Batch 3 results (March 1 - March 31) are anticipated to post on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The results are in the final batch-check phase. If the batch passes that final quality check, they will post to Student Centered Staging by 9:00 a.m. on May 15.

Student Centered Staging to Close for Report Card Preliminary Processing

Wed, 8 May 2013 19:01:00 GMT

Student Centered Staging will be closed for editing all 2012-2013 test records on Thursday, May 23 at 5 PM and is scheduled to reopen by noon on Wednesday, May 29. Secure Assessment Reports (2012-2013 reports) will also be unavailable during this time.

Support for Staff Position and Class Size Collections

Wed, 8 May 2013 18:57:00 GMT

If you have questions or need assistance regarding Staff Position or Class Size for 2012-13, please contact your Regional ESD Data Collection Support Partners . Please note that Tony Knudson is no longer the data owner. If you need to contact the new data owner, Isabella Jacoby, you may do so via e-mail at Isabella.Jacoby@ode.state.or.us or by phone at (503) 947-5878.

District Contacts for Report Card Validations During Summer 2013

Wed, 8 May 2013 18:51:00 GMT

With the end of the year fast approaching, please make sure that you have contacted your Regional Support Partner regarding summer schedules and contacts for testing coordinators. There will need to be someone available throughout the summer to submit, validate and correct data submissions and preview Report Cards.

Please make sure that your Regional Support Partner has the following information for whoever will be responsible for data submissions and validations over the summer months:

a)The name, email and phone number of the person who will be in charge over the summer. If there will be more than one point of contact, please indicate when each person will be available. Please ensure that there will be someone available throughout the summer and/or provide the contact information for the district superin ...MORE

Data Reminders 2012-13

Wed, 8 May 2013 18:39:00 GMT

Third Period Cumulative ADM Collection
Since the Attending District submits for the collection, make sure Resident District and Resident School fields are accurate. Resident District/School are used to identify the students included for accountability. Also, make sure the Race/Ethnicity flags are filled correctly, along with the Special Education flag, District Special Education flag, Economically Disadvantaged flag, and TAG flags. This collection will also be used to report attendance, school size, count of English Language Learners, and percent of Special Education students on the Report Card. The collection is currently open and will close May 23 at 11:59 PM. It will remain closed May 24 - June 2, 2013 to allow ODE to review the submitted data. The collection will be reopened to all districts again June 3 - June 12, 2013 to review the audit report for the Third Period Cumulative ADM collection. If you have questions, please contact your
DATE TIME* LOCATION

May 16, 2013 1:30 - 3:30p PDT Willamette ESD, Salem

May 17, 2013 1:30 - 3:30p PDT Douglas ESD, Roseburg

May 23, 2013 1:30 - 3:30p PDT

Assessment and Accountability Update - May 2, 2013

Thu, 2 May 2013 15:33:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for May 2, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Preliminary Draft of 2013-14 Test Administration Manual Now Available

2012-13 ELPA Window Has Closed

Upcoming Professional Development with ODE Staff Presenters

Final Next Generation Science Standards Released

Accountability Reporting

Report Card Validations for 2012-13

Student Centered Staging Video Training/WebEx May 15, 2013

Staff Position ...MORE

2012-13 ELPA Window Has Closed

Wed, 1 May 2013 23:05:00 GMT

On Tuesday, April 30, 2013 the ELPA testing window closed. As of Wednesday, May 1, American Institutes for Research has recorded 54,001 ELPA tests as being submitted through their system. The next data delivery date for the ELPA is Wednesday, May 15, which will be the posting of the ELPA tests submitted from March 1 to March 31. The final data delivery date for the ELPA will be Monday, June 10. That batch will include all ELPA tests submitted during the month of April.

Video Training/WebEx on May 15, 2013

Wed, 1 May 2013 17:47:00 GMT

The Video Training/WebEx “Student Centered Staging - Editing and checking Staging, Third Period Cumulative ADM, and LEP data” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at 2 PM and will be recorded for later viewing. This WebEx will focus on management of assessment data in Student Centered Staging (i.e., editing posted records; reviewing and correcting errors; applying administration codes) and the Third Period Cumulative ADM collection. There will be two additional WebEx training sessions to address the changes to the 2012-13 Report Cards on June 12 and June 20, 2013. Handouts will be available on the Video Training website: https://district.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=226.

To join the online meeting, go to https://oregoned.webex.com/oregoned/j.php?ED=224087082&UID=496451152&RT=MiM0 and enter your name and email ...MORE

Extended Assessment: Dates to Remember

Wed, 1 May 2013 16:38:00 GMT

Per the 2012-13 Current Test Schedule PDF posted at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2691:

OAKS Extended Assessment test administration and data entry window opened February 21, 2013

OAKS Extended Assessment test administration window closed April 25, 2013

OAKS Extended Assessment data entry window closes May 17, 2013

OAKS Extended Assessment student performance scores will be available May 31, 2013. Beginning in 2013-14, Extended Assessment student performance scores will be available a week earlier.

OAKS Extended Assessments data entry is available in the Extended Assessment application on the district secure site: https://district.ode.state.or.us/home/ (see your district security administrator for access).

If you have additional questions, please contact
Date Event

May 1 Final DTC WebEx for 2012-13

Brad.Lenhardt@state.or.us .

Assessment and Accountability Update - April 25, 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:23:00 GMT

This is the Assessment & Accountability Update for April 25, 2013.

You can access this and past issues of the Assessment & Accountability Update on the ODE website.

In This Issue:

Test Administration - OAKS Online, ELPA & Writing

Teachers Needed: ELPA Content Panel

Kindergarten Assessment Required Beginning Fall 2013

ELPA Test Window Closes April 30

Final Next Generation Science Standards Released

Upcoming Professional Development with ODE Staff Assessment Presenters

Accountability Reporting

Report Card Validations for 2012-13

Third Period Cumulative ADM Opening - R ...MORE

Update: Kindergarten Assessment Required Beginning Fall 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:19:00 GMT

Background information is in Executive Numbered Memo issued on April 2, 2013. Additional information ran in past issues of the Assessment and Accountability Update (http://www.ode.state.or.us/wma/teachlearn/testing/asmtacty_update_04_18_13.pdf ).

We wanted to follow up earlier communications regarding the Kindergarten Assessment with an announcement that the Kindergarten Assessment website has been launched. This new website has information for parents, teachers, and early childcare providers including resources and toolkits. Right now, the site can serve as starting point for conversations about this assessment with stakeholders -- particularly parents -- to provide an understanding of what this assessment will mean for their children. The site will continue to be updated and expanded over the coming months.

...MORE

Reminder: ELPA Test Window Closes April 30, 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:18:00 GMT

The ELPA test window closes on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. By April 30, districts must ensure that all students eligible to receive ELD services have completed the ELPA. All ELPAs that have 100% of the questions completed but that are not submitted will be pushed through for scoring at the end of the testing window. Those test results will be available on June 10, 2013. If a student completes fewer than 100% of the questions, the ELPA is considered incomplete and will not be scored.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013, Java released an update for Mac OSX versions 10.6.8, 10.7, and 10.8 that in some cases prevents students from logging into the ELPA. AIR has investigated and confirmed that the Secure Browser cannot circumvent this Java update. If possible, districts administering the ELPA using Mac OSX versions 10.6.8 or 10.7 should avoid installing the Java update until after the ELPA test window closes next Tuesday, April 30, 2013. If your district has already installed the up ...MORE

Report Card Validations for 2012-13

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:14:00 GMT

The schedule for district validations of Non-Assessment data (used on the School and District Report Cards) can be found at: https://district.ode.state.or.us/wma/training/docs/rc_collectionvalidationdates_1213.xls .

Validations open from April 4 to May 3 are:

Staff FTE and Teacher Characteristics

Class Size

Validations open from April 25 to May 23 are:

Actual Expenditures 2011-12 (General Fund Expenditures)

ESD Direct Support 2011-12 (ESD Support)

Institutions to be Reported in Report Card (includes institution name, grade range, and Title I flags)

NOTE: Requests for recognition of boundary changes applicable to the 2012-13 School and District Report Cards are due to ODE no later than noon o ...MORE

ODE News Office of Assessment and Information Services

Assessment and Accountability Update - October 4, 2013

In This Issue:

Smarter Balanced Field Test: Districts Encouraged to Participate

Important Dates for October and November 2013

Mandatory DTC Training on Accountability Reporting

Extended Assessment Field Test Review (Online)

Achievement Compact Data Not Suppressed

Spanish and English School and District Report Cards Final Preview

TIDE Now Open for 2013-2014 Academic Year

Clarification: Stylus Not Required for Smarter Field Test

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 27, 2013

In This Issue:

Transfer Students and the Kindergarten Assessment

TIDE Opens for 2013-14 on October 1

Spring Writing Appeals 2012-13

Writing Appeals Deadline Nears

Kindergarten Assessment Data Collection Update

New Cumulative ADM Report

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 20, 2013

In This Issue:

Spanish School and District Report Cards Available for Preview

Testing and Media Requests

Sign Language Interpretation Accommodation and Statewide Assessments

Secure Assessment Group Reports Updated for 2012-2013

First Period Cumulative ADM 2013-2014 Opening

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window Closes on September 23

Smarter Balanced Adopts Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines

Smarter Balanced Launches Webpage to Reach Broader Audience

Oregon's State Network of Educators (SNE)

Smarter Balanced Field Test: Participation Opportunities for Schools and Districts

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 13, 2013

In This Issue:

Mobile Secure Browsers for iPad and Android Tablets User Guide

School and District Report Card Validation Opened on September 12, 2013

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation Window Opens

New Test Security Resources Available

First Period Cumulative ADM WebEx RESCHEDULED

Important Dates for September and October 2013

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Releases New Performance Tasks

Assessment and Accountability Update - September 6, 2013

In This Issue:

Updated Training Modules for the Kindergarten Assessment Now Available

School and District Report Cards Available for Preview on September 12, 2013

Deletion of 2012-13 Users from TIDE

Extended Assessment: Test Administrator Training Info

Supplemental Report Card Data Validation

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 30, 2013

In This Issue:

TIDE Offline September 21-30: ODE Recommends Download by 7 PM, September 20

Supplemental 2012-13 Report Card Data Collection - Final Update

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment: Qualified Trainer and Qualified Assessor Trainings

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment: Data Entry

Updated Appendix L - Kindergarten Assessment Now Available

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 23, 2013

In This Issue:

Important Accountability Dates for the Weeks and Months Ahead

Oregon's Alternate ("Extended") Assessment

How to Enter Freshmen on Track Data

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 16, 2013

In This Issue:

District Test Coordinator Training Reminder

Test Security and Administration

Administering Spanish/English Kindergarten Early Math

Guidance for Administering the English-only Early Math Assessment:

Guidance for Administering the Spanish/English (Bilingual) Early Math Assessment:

Reminder: Last Day to Make Edits to Assessment Records for Accountability Reporting

Reminder: Last Day to Make Edits to Third Period Cumulative ADM for Accountability Reporting

School and District Report Card Validations Refreshed on August 15

Assessment and Accountability Update - August 9, 2013

In This Issue:

New Mathematics Assessment Specialist comes to ODE

Refinement of Freshmen on Track

New Report Card Validations Now Open in ADI

Interpreting School Ratings

Information for the Smarter Balanced Field Test

Smarter Balanced Practice Test News

Help Desk Support:

Practice Test Enhancements Starting August 15