Changes in the Kentucky Core Content Test were the subject of discussion for Monday’s Mason County Board of Education meeting.
In March, the Kentucky General Assembly voted to do away with the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System in favor of more standardized testing.
Mason County Schools Assessment Coordinator Ron Ishmael presented board members with information pertaining to immediate concerns, the interim assessment period from 2009-2011, and the 2011-2012 school year and beyond.
According to Ishmael, there is no longer an accountability index for schools. Instead, scores will be presented publicly in the “percent of students” format using the novice, apprentice, proficient, and distinguished definitions. Schools will be held accountable for an index score and for getting the school to proficiency, the highest definition, by 2014. Schools are now responsible for getting every child to proficiency by 2014. Schools will receive scores in the four core areas of reading, math, science and social studies.
“There will be accountability,” said Ishmael Monday.
There will no longer be CATS testing, only NCLB testing. There not be two tests. The tests that students will take in 2009, 20010, and 2011 in reading, math, science, and social studies are exactly the same in design and content as in previous years. In 2009, 20010, and 2011 there will be no state administration of arts and humanities or practical living assessments. Districts will receive copies of the tests and answers and may administer these tests at their discretion and on the district’s time schedule.
“The focus is on how do and should we move students,” said Ishmael. “We are doing more to close the gaps.”
There will be no writing portfolio scoring by the state. The length of the remaining tests may also be reduced because of the reduction of unnecessary items.
New content standards for the new assessment system will begin in 2012. The new standards will be developed in conjunction with the council on post-secondary education to ensure the standards match the college standards, said Ishmael.
Fewer standards will allow teachers to focus more attention on students who need additional assistance and also make it easier to advance those students who are progressing at a faster rate, said Ishmael.
Ishmael said they are waiting for more guidance and reports from Frankfort so that achievement targets may be addressed.
Revisions will begin this spring. The revisions for all content areas must be completed by December 2010.
Also during the meeting:
— The last day of school and day of graduation has been scheduled for May 29. Graduation will be at 8 p.m. in the MCHS Fieldhouse. A senior reception will be held on May 26 at 6:30 in the MCHS auditorium. As of May 6, 2009 the 2 p.m. dismissal will end. This will allow the 13 as a full day of school for testing as well as additional time to be made up from delayed days.
— Staff received a legislative update.
— Food Service Managers were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
— MATHCOUNTS participants from Mason County Middle School were recognized.
— Students and teachers gave technology integration presentations.
— The regular meeting date for May has been changed from Monday, May 11, 2009 to a special board meeting on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6 p.m. in the Mason County Board of Education Board Room.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.