The OAKS Online test window opens next week on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. In preparation, ODE would like to remind districts of the following important test administration policy changes that are in effect for 2012-13.
These changes are described in greater detail in the 2012-13 Test Administration Manual (page numbers are referenced below):
- Districts must use ODE-provided training modules when training school test coordinators and test administrators on test administration and security. Training must also provide an opportunity for trainees to ask questions and receive clarification. (pp. 5 – 7)
- To reinforce proper use of OAKS as a summative assessment and reduce the impact of testing on instructional time, students in grades 3 – 8 now have two test opportunities per subject. Students in high school retain three opportunities for Math, Reading, and Science and two opportunities for the optional Social Sciences assessment. (p. 29)
- As in 2011-12, only one test opportunity will be available per student between November 6 and January 2. Subsequent opportunities will become available as of January 2, at the district’s discretion.
- Districts must receive explicit parental consent before retesting students in grades 3 – 8 who have already met or exceeded the achievement standard. ODE has provided specific criteria that districts must follow when developing local protocols for collecting parental consent to retest students. (p. 33)
- Grade 11 students who have not yet met or exceeded the Writing achievement standard must take the Writing Assessment in either the Winter or Spring test window. To support students in meeting the Essential Skills graduation requirement, Grade 12 students may also take the Writing Assessment; eligible Grade 12 students may only test during the Winter test window. (pp. 30, 34, 36; Appendices A, G, and I)
- ODE has provided clarified guidance on how to appropriately identify accommodations for individual students ahead of time and how to respond to “in the moment” requests from a student. (p. 27)
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