All Things Assessment
Everything You Need to Know About Assessment
September 2018
Monthly Focus: Getting Ready for NNAT
This Month:
IT'S BACK!!!!! Football??? Yes, but I am talking about NNAT. :) This month the focus is on the NNAT 2. This test is given to all first graders as a screener for G/T. I have attached some documents to help you with set up and delivery in case you have need a little reminder. If this is your first rodeo, don't forget that there is a training scheduled for you to come and learn about the test, set up classes, what to do the day of testing, etc.
I have also enclosed some exciting videos from TEA that are quick and cover new TEA initiatives and programs. Details about the STAAR released test have also been shared. Also coming this year.... Field Test Writing Prompt. It has been awhile since we participated in a field test.
Don't forget to read about the TestHound hints each month. This month I cover how to get ready for the new year by processing all of your alerts. Did you know that TestHound will save you an incredible amount of time in the Spring, you just have to use it to its full advantage? If you are a seasoned veteran and have not used it except for inventory purposes, try it!! I have attached information from Frontline (which is eSTAR) on helpful hints. In TestHound you will see that date and time that information is feeding over.
Coming later this month: 18-19 Accessibility Features.... stay tuned!!!!
If you have any questions or need any help, please contact me or Maranda (0279). We would be happy to help!!!
Wishing you a Spectacular September,
Becky
Texas Assessment Management System
STAAR
STAAR ALT 2 and TELPAS
NNAT- What is it?
https://www.programworkshop.com/PW2/Core/2.0/Login/Login/Home?SK=76
NNAT Quick Reference Guide for Delivering Tests
"Answers...In About A Minute" Video Library
Answers in About a Minute videos are designed to share basic information on various TEA initiatives and programs. Each video in the series is less than two minutes and directly answers specific questions in a user-friendly format that is clear and concise.
The inaugural series of Answers videos will focus on the A-F State Accountability Rating System for school districts, which will be used for the first time on Aug. 15.
“Parents want the best for their child’s education and often seek information that will help them make good decisions,” said Commissioner Morath. “The Answers in About a Minute video series is one direct way we can provide information on issues such as state accountability ratings, as well as other public education topics in Texas.”
Answers in About a Minute videos are among the available tools created by TEA to help parents and community members learn about the A-F system. The videos and other A-F resources are posted at https://tea.texas.gov/A-F/. More videos will be available leading up to Aug. 15.
In addition, the online video library will continue to grow to encompass more questions on additional topics. Videos will be added on a regular basis.
To view the complete Answers in About a Minute video library, visit the TEA website at https://tea.texas.gov/answers.
1. Tell me more about A-F Accountability. What's in it?
2. What goes into determining the student achievement domain?
3. How are schools graded on progress? Can you explain it?
4. How is the closing the gaps domain rated?
5. How are A-F grades calculated?
2018 STAAR Released Tests
2018 STAAR Released Tests
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is releasing the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) that were administered in spring 2018. The following STAAR assessments, including STAAR Spanish, are now available on the STAAR Released Test Questions webpage.
- Grades 3–8 mathematics (April 2018 only for grades 5 and 8)
- Grades 3–8 reading (April 2018 only for grades 5 and 8)
- Grades 4 and 7 writing
- Grades 5 and 8 science
- Grade 8 social studies
- Algebra I
- English I and English II
- Biology
- U.S. History
In addition to test forms, answer keys and item rationales have been posted on this same webpage. TEA has also posted student expectations for these assessments on the STAAR Student Expectations Tested webpage and scoring guides on the STAAR Writing and English I, II, III Resources webpage.
Online versions of the 2018 STAAR released tests are now available through the STAAR Online Testing Platform under the Practice tab. Instructions for accessing the online platform for the first time are available at STAAR Online Testing Platform. For each STAAR online released test, a version with text-to-speech, content and language supports, and spelling assistance (where applicable) is available, and a version without these Personal Needs and Preferences (PNPs) activated is also available.
Coming this year: STAAR Writing Prompt Field Test
Testhound Hints
Beginning of the Year TH Maintenance
1. You will notice on your campus management page there will be some alerts over on the right hand side. (See picture)
Please click view and click to approve all student alerts (new students, unenrolled students, re-enrolled students, and population changes). (as you get closer to testing, you will want to look at each one but for now just approve them all)
2. You will also have Teacher alerts. (You can always inactivate them if you don’t want to use them or they aren’t there anymore but for now approve them)
3. Next, for "Auto Pilot" pull accommodation histories for your new kids. These are kids who were in DISD but at another campus.
a. Click the students tab on the left of your management screen.
b. Click on accommodation histories at the top, click on each kid, choose view, check box to include student notes and click PULL. (you will not be able to go and pull the notes after you click pull accommodations)
4. You will notice under the Auto Pilot alert on the right side of the management screen that Esped/Estar is feeding in accommodations nightly. I would check to make sure that the accommodations are correct~ it will make your life easier in the Spring when you are checking accommodations. (Remember that if you do not complete the field in Estar correctly or leave them blank, your information will not come over correctly) Below is the guidance we have from Frontline(ESTAR) for TestHound.
Accommodation of the Month: Accessibility Features
Be looking for the new accessibility features and designated supports released next month!!! We will also have a training on them.... so be looking for that information.
What to Do? This Month:
- Plan for your NNAT campus testing date (Week of September 19-28~ This test is for all 1st graders.
- Identify your LEP, 504, SPED, and RTI students.
- Review testing accommodations so your are familiar with them. Updates will be released in the middle of September.
- Begin to gather your 1st grade rosters for NNAT testing. (wait until school is underway) If you are coming to the NNAT 2 training on September 17th, you will need an updated version to catch any new students that have enrolled and your laptop.
Calendar of Events
September
17- NNAT Training (1:00-4:00 PM at the Annex)
18-28 NNAT Testing Window
Happy Birthday!!!
September
9- Shelly Panter (Newton Rayzor)
24- Claire Springer (Savannah)
New CTC Training
Monday, Sep 17, 2018, 08:30 AM
230 North Mayhill Road, Denton, TX, USA
NNAT 2 Training
Monday, Sep 17, 2018, 01:00 PM
230 North Mayhill Road, Denton, TX, USA
Testing Calendar for 2018-2019 * Dates or subjects may change
Here is the timeline for testing for 2018-2019:
September- NNAT 2
February- April- TELPAS/TELPAS ALT
February 11-14- STAAR Writing Prompt Field Test (Campuses have not been selected yet)
April- STAAR ALT 2
April 9- 4/7 Writing; 5/8 Math
April 10- 5/8 Reading
May 13- 3-8 Math; 5/8 Math Retest
May 14- 3-8 Rdg; 5/8 Rdg Retest
May 15- 5/8 Science
May 16- 8 Social Studies
June 25 5/8 Math Retest
June 26- 5/8 Rdg Retest
Denton ISD Testing and State Assessment
Email: blloyd@dentonisd.org
Website: http://www.dentonisd.org/Domain/7440
Location: 230 N Mayhill Rd, Denton, TX, United States
Phone: (940)369-0279