April 10, 2008

Below is an excerpt from State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch’s Weekly Message dated April 8, 2008. The entire Weekly Message for April 8, 2008, may be viewed online at http://www.isbe.net/board/archivemessages/message_040808.pdf.

 2009 PSAE Testing Dates

 I want to let you know that we have decided to maintain the current testing window for the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) for next year to be held April 22-23, 2009, with makeup dates on May 6-7, 2009. We were exploring moving the testing dates earlier in the spring so that we would be able to get schools their data sooner to review and make corrections. This would enable us to provide Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) calculations in a more timely manner. However, your response urging us to maintain the current testing schedule for at least next year was overwhelming. You also advised that should we consider a change in testing dates anytime in the future, then we should give districts at least two years notice. While I would still like to be able to provide you with AYP determinations sooner, you had many good reasons for wanting to maintain the current timeframe for next year. We will work with ACT to see if there are some other options for future years.

I want to thank everyone who provided their input about the PSAE testing window. I value and want to incorporate your input into the decisions we make whenever possible. I will use this forum more often in the future to seek your feedback.