Student Assessment Listserv

ACCESS

ACCESS for ELs Theme Generator & Standards Expert Recruitment

WIDA and the Center for Applied Linguistics are looking for educators to serve as Theme Generators and Standards Experts for new ACCESS for ELs test items between July and September 2021. This is a chance for educators to be a part of WIDA’s test development process.​

• Review format: Virtual.
  
• Anticipated time commitment: 2-8 hours (can be over multiple days).
• Level of experience needed: Any educator who has experience with students in grades 1-12 in a WIDA member state during the previous two years.

You are invited and encouraged to view the recruitment flyer for additional details and to share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested. To apply, please complete the participation survey by April 25, 2021.

ACCESS Testing Window – Fall Testing Available

ISBE is offering fall testing as an option for state assessments. Either spring or fall may be selected for each test.

For ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS

• Spring: March 15 to June 30, 2021
• Fall: July 1 to September 17, 2021
• Online testing ends on September 17 
• Paper materials returned to DRC after September 24 will be processed later and will not be included with the scheduled reporting dates.

ACCESS Preliminary Review 

• November 8 to November 19, 2021
• Online results in WIDA AMS – December 15, 2021
• Printed results sent to schools and districts – January 6, 2022

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten

WIDA has released a new screening tool for kindergarten. Illinois will continue using WIDA MODEL for kindergarten through the remainder of school year 2021 and into SY 2022. Adding this new screener requires that state rules and data systems be updated. Watch for an announcement this fall regarding implementation. Once available, the kit may be downloaded and printed locally, or it can be ordered preprinted from the WIDA Store.

Resources:

• There is a WIDA Screener for Kindergarten SEA Communications Toolkit. Use the toolkit to update your internal documentation and to share messages about the test with your educators. The toolkit and accompanying social media graphics can be found in the SEA Secure Portal by selecting Documents > Assessment and filtering by WIDA Screener.
• See the news article, WIDA Screener for Kindergarten: Get ready to use it, find out what’s available this spring​, with Local Education Agencies that have questions about where to find more information and how to access test resources and materials.
• Save the date for the WIDA Screener for Kindergarten Q&A Webinar at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27. More information and login details are in the WIDA Q&A Webinar Schedule.
• ACCESS to the training module will be shared with all Illinois account holders on the WIDA Secure Portal as we get closer to SY 2022.

ACCESS for ELs Q&A Webinar Recordings for 2021

WIDA Q&A Webinars are recorded and posted to the Secure Portal Download Library within a week of the presentation.

WIDA/DRC Customer Service Hours

• WIDA Client Services Center is available from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
• DRC Customer Service is available from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

New WIDA Webpage: Building a WIDA Assessment

WIDA has a new webpage that highlights its test development process. Find event descriptions and a bigger picture of the test development process on this webpage.

Call for WIDA Fellows Nominations

WIDA announces a call for nominations for the third class of WIDA Fellows. In establishing these fellowships, WIDA formally acknowledges the invaluable role of exemplary teachers of bilingual and multilingual learners in advancing the field in collaboration with professional development and research partners. All nominees must be exemplary teachers of bilingual and/or multilingual learners.

To nominate an educator, complete the WIDA Fellows Nomination form by April 30, 2021. No self-nominations, please.

Understanding ACCESS for ELs 2021 Scores

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the instruction and assessment of English language learners (ELs) within the consortium. WIDA has created a guide to help you understand and interpret ACCESS for ELs scores this year. See our article, Understanding ACCESS for ELs 2021 Scores, on the WIDA website for an explanation of how the pandemic has impacted ACCESS for ELs and the implications for student scores.

This year’s ACCESS for ELs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Interpretive Guide for Score Reports have been posted to the Resource Library on the WIDA website. The Interpretive Guides can also be found, along with other resources to support scoring and reporting, on the ACCESS for ELs Scores and Reports and the Alternate ACCESS for ELs Scores and Reports pages on the WIDA website.

New Courses Added to Micro-Offerings Series

WIDA Professional Learning has added two new micro-offerings to the free virtual learning series titled ”Supporting Multilingual Learners during COVID-19.” The additions include: 

• Educational Equity for Multilingual Learners during COVID-19 
• Connecting Educators to Tools for Oral Language Development

The five-part series is designed to help educators navigate some of the nuances of teaching and supporting multilingual children and youth this school year. Each 30-minute learning opportunity provides educators with tools to effectively teach multilingual learners during the pandemic. Access all five courses on the Distance Teaching and Learning webpage.

WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition Q&A Webinar Series  

The WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition: Kindergarten – Grade 12 is now available! You can view this updated material, including supporting resources, an introductory video, flyer, and PowerPoint slides, on the ELD Standards Framework webpage. Printed copies of the 2020 Edition can be pre-ordered from the WIDA Store.

Ready to learn more? Join us for the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition Q&A Webinar Series. Educators will have the opportunity to hear from members of the WIDA ELD Standards Framework development team and ask questions live! The first webinar in the series is a high-level introductory overview. The other three webinar topics will be an educator’s choice! All webinars will be recorded and posted to the ELD Standards Framework webpage.

Assessment Best Practices During COVID-19

WIDA has created a resource to supplement the existing Test Administrator and Test Coordinator Manuals to support educators as they administer ACCESS for ELs (Alternate, Kindergarten, Online, and Paper) and WIDA Screener (Online and Paper) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note: The guidance in this document reflects WIDA’s analysis of current best practices. It is not medical advice. It does not replace or amend guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your state, your county, or your district.

This document can be accessed in the Key Resources Box in the ACCESS and Screener training courses in the WIDA Secure Portal and in the Download Library.

Preparing Students for ACCESS for ELs

Information and resources on test demos, test practice, and sample items for ACCESS Online and ACCESS Paper for grades 1-12 have been moved to a dedicated webpage for ACCESS Test Practice and Sample Items.

Test administrators can find the existing test demo, test practice, and sample items for ACCESS Online, plus a new guide on how to use these resources to prepare students for testing. Educators who will administer ACCESS for ELs Paper for grades 1-12 this year can find an expanded selection of sample items, as well as a guide on using the sample items with students.

SAT/PSAT 8-9/PSAT 10

ISBE conducted deep collaboration and engagement with Illinois schools and districts and has adopted the following changes for the 2021 state assessments related to the SAT with Essay, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. ISBE will:

• Omit the essay portion of the SAT (for both spring 2021 and any potential fall 2021 administration).
• Eliminate the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 (for spring 2021).

A broader announcement regarding all state assessments can be found in the “Assessment” section of the March 16, 2021, edition of the ISBE Weekly Message. ISBE has posted an SAT/PSAT FAQ document on the SAT website. Please note: The FAQ includes information pertaining to the diploma requirement, which is now not applicable to current grade 12 students.

Spring 2021 Testing

The SAT primary test date was on April 13, 2021. Coordinators were to order makeup test materials for the April 27, 2021, makeup date no later than April 15, 2021, for any students who did not test on April 13, 2021. ISBE and College Board are providing additional flexibility and promoting staff and student safety  by offering one additional makeup test date, which will be Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Test coordinators should submit a request for makeup materials for the May 18, 2021, test date for any students who were unable to test on any April administration date no later than April 29, 2021.

Fall 2021 Testing

Districts that will be conducting testing in fall 2021 instead of spring 2021 should return all secure materials from spring 2021 unused. All unused secure test materials from spring 2021 should be returned to College Board. Manuals and blank answer sheets may be destroyed/recycled locally, and pre-ID labels may be securely destroyed locally. Refer to the “How to Handle Test Materials After Testing Is Complete” chart on page 52 of the Coordinator Manual. Instructions for how to place materials orders will be provided at a later date to districts that have chosen to shift testing from spring 2021 to fall 2021.

SAT Manuals

Updated scripts for the spring 2021 SAT Manuals due to the elimination of the essay are available at www.isbe.net/Documents/spring-2021-SAT-scripts.pdf. These scripts include guidance for how to adjust the Nonstandard Administration Report since it still indicates SAT with Essay and cannot be adjusted.

Spring 2021 Timeline

This timeline will assist test coordinators by highlighting upcoming events and deadlines.

Spring 2021 Established Test Sites List

The list of schools established to provide the SAT as part of the ISBE-provided administration is posted on the SAT website. Only schools on the established test sites list are able to receive test materials from the College Board. Established schools may submit an off-site request to receive and transport test materials for students who must test at an off-site location.

IAR

Important 2021 IAR Administration Update!

All district/school/staff are urged to visit the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) website and il.mypearsonsupport.com for the latest information and updates on the 2021 IAR Spring Administration.

Upcoming Key Dates

A full listing of key dates is at either https://www.isbe.net/Pages/IAR.aspx and https://il.mypearsonsupport.com/.

Extended Testing Window

• Spring
• March 15 – May 14, 2021 (Paper-Based Testing)
• March 15 – May 28, 2021 (Computer-Based Testing)
• Fall
• August 9 – September 24, 2021 (Paper-Based Testing)
• August 9 – October 8, 2021 (Computer-Based Testing)

Saturday Testing Options

Schools may also have the option of testing on Saturdays (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.), if needed.

SPRING 2021 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR IAR (UPDATED 03/31/2021)

ELA Unit 3 Error on Select Accomodated Test Forms

Pearson issued a notice to test coordinators about a small percentage of the online English Language Arts (ELA) #3 test forms, specifically those test forms with built-in accommodations. They still have the longer Unit 3 item set. Please see this email for specific instructions. Pearson staff will be omitting Unit 3 for the following ELA forms:

• Human Read Aloud
• Text-To-Speech
• American Sign Language
• Closed Caption
• Assistive Technology Screen Reader
• Assistive Technology Non-Screen Reader

If you have any questions, please contact Pearson Support at 1-833-213-3879.

Illinois Science Assessment

Please check the ISA webpage for information regarding the science assessment.

Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment

Check out the DLM website​ for a wealth of information on the alternate assessment. You will find all available versions of the Kite testing platform (under Kite Suite), links to manuals (under States-Illinois), professional development (valuable information for teachers to implement in the classroom), and publications and presentations related to Kite research.

**IMPORTANT UPDATE

Ninth- and 10th-grade students will NOT complete the DLM assessment during the 2021 test window. SIS will update the Kite Educator Portal, removing ninth- and 10th-graders.

*UPDATED Testing Window  

• Spring Option: March 15 – June 30, 2021
• Fall Option: August 9 – September 30, 2021

Missing students in Kite?

If your missing student(s) are in 9th or 10th grade, you will no longer see them in Kite. Given that the PSAT is no longer required, the state’s alternate assessment for those grades, the DLM, is likewise no longer required for students in grades 9 and 10. These students will also not be identified for the DLM when you view them in SIS.

Recently, there was a technical glitch; students may be missing from rosters or you may not even be able to see them in Kite. You may receive the following message when attempting to pull up the student in Kite: “This student is not yet activated for the current school year. Do you wish to activate the student?” Select “YES.” This should enable you to see the student in Kite. Students missing from a roster will need to be rostered again. These are steps that the district test coordinator can take; teachers won’t be able to activate students or roster them. Please reach out to Pam Hartwig at phartwig@isbe.net if you need assistance or have further questions.

Rosters

All students taking the DLM-AA will complete the math and ELA assessments.  Students in fifth, eighth, and 11th grades only will take the science assessment. Twelfth-grade students who missed the assessment last year when they were in 11th grade will not make it up this year. No student will take the social studies assessment.

Rosters for teachers cannot be prepared until the teacher has signed the security agreement and completed Moodle training.

TIP: The typical naming convention for a roster is: Last Name First Name Subject.

Example: SmithPaulELA

Additional roster guidance found here.

Assessment Guidance

ISBE has provided assessment guidance ​to support school districts for the 2020-21 assessments. Be sure to check it out!

NEW! Live Chat Feature

DLM has added a new live chat feature to the Kite Educator Portal.  The live chat support is available from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday. Click the Live Chat link that appears in the bottom left of the screen to use the feature. Please note: The chat feature is not secure and student personally identifiable information should never be shared.

Kite Uploads/Student Uploads

SIS completed the final upload to the Kite Educator Portal on March 12, 2021.  Please contact Pam Hartwig at phartwig@isbe.net if you need a student added to Kite.

All students who need to take the alternate assessment must be identified in SIS in order for them to be uploaded to DLM. The enrollment record for each student taking the DLM should have the IDEA services indicator marked “yes” and the alternate assessment marked “yes.” Districts should not enter students into Kite. Please reach out to Pam Hartwig at phartwig@isbe.net if you experience challenges with seeing a student in Kite.

Outplaced Students

Please be sure that the “RCDTS Serving” code is the code for the building where the child is physically located.

Security Agreement

Teachers need to complete the security agreement in the Kite Educator Portal. Teachers will not be able to work with students in Kite if this step is not completed. Refer to the Guide to Completing/Updating the Security Agreement for further information.

Required Training

Just a reminder that training must be completed before a teacher can access First Contact Surveys and Personal Needs and Preferences (PNP) profiles. The certificate of completion also needs to be printed; otherwise, teachers will appear in Kite as having not completed training. The Guide to Required Test Administrator Training is a helpful resource.

Educators and students have the opportunity to practice with testlets by using practice activities and released testlets.  More information is found here. The training login is at https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Training Courses.”

Unable to Access Testlets?

Make sure the student’s First Contact Survey is not in any of these statuses:  “not started,” “in progress,” or in “ready to submit” status. These three statuses will delay a teacher’s ability to access DLM-AA testlets by 24 hours.

Establishing Users in Kite Educator Portal

Please see page 41 of the Data Management Manual if you need a user (test administrator) added to Kite.

All users in the Kite Educator Portal have an email address, as well as an educator identifier. The educator identifier is the user’s email address. Both fields must be completed.

Existing Users

Verify that existing user information is correct for all users in your district.

Student Verifications

Verify the accuracy of student enrollments in Kite. Exit students not being assessed. Code 18 should be used to explain why the student is being removed.

The home district is responsible for ensuring the student’s SIS record is accurate. It is important to make sure the serving school and service provider are accurate. If not, the student won’t be pulled into Kite correctly.  The school identified in Kite as the serving school is responsible for rostering the student in Kite.

Personal Needs and Preferences Profile

Teachers needs to make sure each student’s PNP profile is updated and complete.

First Contact Survey

Teachers must submit a completed and updated First Contact Survey for each student. The First Contact Survey drives the first testlet, so students will not receive testlets if the First Contact Survey is not submitted.

Personally Identifiable Information

Please do not transmit any personally identifiable information to ISBE via email. Submit information other than a student ID via the secure portal. The Test Administrator Manual is a valuable tool for teachers giving the DLM.  If provides information for the assessment and also gives tips for preparing for the next year’s administration.

Other Questions?

Have other questions or need additional guidance? The Where Do You Find document will help guide educators to information regarding DLM. You can also email Pam Hartwig, DLM coordinator, at phartwig@isbe.net​.​