First-graders statewide retaking test
Posted on Sunday, September 21, 2008
BENTON COUNTY — First-grade students across the state are in the midst of retaking standardized tests they took last spring as kindergartners.
The problem was created when the test publisher, Pearson, inadvertently sent an estimated 100 schools in the state the actual kindergarten test when they were supposed to receive a practice exam, said Julie Thompson, spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Education.
The mistake was discovered at several schools when teachers and students taking the actual exam realized they had seen the test previously. The schools across the state had been given the option to purchase the practice exam to help prepare students and not all the schools chose that option. When the mistake was discovered, state school officials debated whether or not to require all first-grade students this year to take the test again, even if they didn’t see the actual test as a practice exam. It was decided that to be fair, all students should be tested again so all the previous test results were deemed invalid. The new tests are not the exact same test the students were given last year, but they are similar in style and content, Thompson said.
The reaction from local school officials has been one of frustration, but understanding.
“ Any human endeavor is subject to mistakes, some small and some not so small, ” said Randy Barrett, superintendent for the Gentry School District. “ While it cost some extra man hours at our end of the process, the sun has still rose each morning. We’ll wait until we achieve perfection at Gentry Public Schools before we become too critical of others when they make an honest mistake. ”
While the schools are understanding of the problem, they also readily admit the problems the mix-up is causing.
The tests being redistributed are not the type that the state will use to determine accreditation, but the schools use the test results to help plan instruction, said Karen Morton, director of data assessment and accountability for the Bentonville School District.
“ It’s also taking away instructional time for us to test (the students ) again, ” she said.
The Gravette School District sent two counselors to training to learn how to administer the new tests, said Roger Sharp, middle school counselor.
“ Although students will be losing instructional time during the beginning of the year, a time that is particularly important for training first grade students to the rules and procedures of their respective classes, we are confident that there won’t be any long term ill effects, ” he said. “ I feel that the (error ) and subsequent retesting of first graders is unfortunate, and inconvenient, but accidents do sometimes occur. I’m sure the state department will make every effort to ensure that this kind of mistake doesn’t happen again. ”
Ashley Kelley, spokeswoman for the Rogers School District, said the schools are taking the additional testing in stride.
“ We’re just looking forward to getting the results so we can plan and tailor instruction for our students, ” she said.
Diana Gray, director of accountability and assessment, spoke of the behind-the-scenes work that the mistake caused.
“ What is not so obvious is all of the time required behind the scenes that also has to be repeated. The tests have to be ordered. Once they arrive, they have to be inventoried and distributed to the building or buildings where they will be administered, ” she said. “ Storage of the tests requires a secure location. District and building test coordinators have to attend Arkansas Department of Education training on how to administer the tests and then repeat that training for teachers and others involved in testing in the buildings where testing will be conducted. ”
Gray added that after the tests are completed they must be checked then mailed.
“ This was an unfortunate situation for everyone concerned, Pearson included, ” she said.
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