The SEA has not surveyed educators to determine if their assessment professional development needs have been met. A survey could inform the SEA about unmet needs and interests. Pre-service requirements in classroom assessment should be part of teacher education. Results for writing are reported in 8 weeks to all stakeholders, for Competency Tests in 6 weeks. Guidance on using results is provided to all stakeholders.
Explanatory information is provided to parents and the community on the writing assessment.
For the Achievement Test, but not for the other tests, the SEA has surveyed parents and the public to determine what information they want reported and whether the reports are understood. The right of parents to review tests and exempt their children from testing should be built into the system. Guidance on use and explanatory information seems adequate given the limited nature of the tests. The state has not evaluated district, school or classroom assessment practices. The review did not consider the impact of assessment on curriculum, instruction or high school graduation of the various tests, nor was the ability of the tests to assess critical thinking evaluated.