Pearson goes away, new test vendor next year

[Brian Norman]

Tech Update
New Test Vendor: Implications for Online Testing
Please see Minnesota Assessment Transition 2011–2012 below. As we head into the summer season of software/computer upgrades in school computer labs, the following should help district technology staff with planning:

• • TestNav 6.9 will continue to be used for GRAD retests through October 2011. Keep TestNav installed on computers you plan to use for GRAD retests.
  • November 2011 will be the first GRAD retest administration using AIR’s online testing system.
  • AIR uses a secure browser for its web-based online testing system, and it can be installed locally or on a network. AIR’s browser will be available for download in late July.
  • Technology Training on AIR’s system will be provided in August or September, probably via webinar or online. Please note that Technology training will NOT be offered during the August Assessment Conference.
  

We hope to have AIR’s system requirements available in a week or two. Please keep an eye on the Assessment Update for updates related to training, requirements, and AIR’s secure browser.

Minnesota Assessment Transition 2011–2012

Below is a table that outlines where Pearson activities end and AIR begins.

 

Assessment/Product	AIR	Pearson
Reading and Mathematics GRAD Retests	×   Begin with November administration, online monthly	×   Complete administration through October
November Reading and Mathematics BST		×   Complete administration
April Reading and Mathematics BST		×   Collect orders and ship materials in February; MDE responsible for collection and scoring
November Written Composition GRAD	×   Collect accommodations, ship materials, collect and score
Perspective		×   Available until mid-February
Learning Point Navigator	×   Teaching and Learning Supports available fall 2011
Reading MCA Field Test	×   Administered as stand alone in January/February 2012
Science MCA Field Test of Simulations	×   Embedded within spring 2012 operational assessment
Mathematics MCA-III (grades 3-8)	×   Adaptive on-grade online in administration mode, start date TBD ×   Paper administration mode window set ×   Available up to three times for a student ×   Student results available immediately ×   Highest valid score used for AYP and printed student report
Reading MCA-II (grades 3-8)	×   Paper administration mode window set
High School Reading and Mathematics MCA / GRAD	×   Paper administration mode dates set
Science MCA and MTAS	×   Standard Setting for new assessment aligned to 2009 Minnesota Academic Standards ×   Reporting delayed
Reading and Mathematics MTAS	×   Paper based, scores entered online
Reading and Mathematics MCA-Modified	×   Mathematics online administration mode only, one administration for a student ×   Reading paper administration mode only

 

Minnesota has joined the WIDA consortium and will be administering the ACCESS for ELLs Assessment in spring 2012.