A new testing vendor in Tennessee this year has been tasked to develop their state assessments for grades 3-11 in Math and ELA. This time around the state is hoping to have better luck with state assessments. Last year they hired and then fired Measurement Inc. because they were unable to deliver an assessment for both online and print testing.
Over the summer Tennessee was forced to look for a new vendor. In turn, they hired Questar Assessment, a company out of Minnesota which also is the current test provider for Mississippi. The state is aiming to avoid the miscues that happened last year in Mississippi. In that instance practice assessment containing multiple errors were handed out to students.
Questar will provide a pen and paper test this year for the state with an online component to come in the future for 3-11th grade. They will offer optional online assessments for high school students this spring.
Recently Questar’s Vice President of State Solutions, Marty Mineck, participated in a roundtable discussion at Fulton High School to discuss the new testing. Joining him were a number of Knox County teachers, and teachers from 15 other local school districts. The purpose of the roundtable discussion was to learn about the new testing while obtaining feedback from teachers currently in the classroom. The discussion was closed to the public.
Teacher input in the decision-making process is vital when developing assessments that are tailored to specific states unique learning standards. Mr. Mineck said, “We are building assessments that students, parents and educators can feel proud of.” This year’s TNready testing will also include a shorter testing window, and less time allotted to take the test.
Like many states, Tennessee is trying to find the testing niche. Along with other states, they too, are experiencing the growing pains of the new testing era in the United States. The importance of getting students ready for college and beyond after high school is a challenge. As Sales Manager for Lumos Learning, I talk with district leaders, and school personnel on a daily basis. I hear the struggles that they face. I am glad to be able to assist them in solving issues when it comes to testing and intervention resources the schools vitally need to better prepare their students for success.
At Lumos Learning we pride ourselves on working hand in hand with districts and schools to prepare their students for both successes on the state testing and in the classroom. To learn more about our solutions for Tennessee visit our Tennessee page or contact me at 1-888-309-8227 ext: 103.
Article referenced: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/education/teachers-talk-with-tns-new-standardized-testing-vendor/326990392
