TEA Requests Comments on Testing Requirements for Accelerated Students
TEA is proposing an amendment that “ would modify the rule to clarify testing requirements for accelerated students who have completed end-of-course (EOC) assessments before entering high school.”
A copy of the proposed amendment may be accessed here. The public comment period ends June 22, 2020.
NOTE: TSA intends to submit comments to TEA and asks that each accountability expert review the proposed amendment and email the district’s feedback, comments, and recommendations to dcarney@hillcopartners.com by Monday, June 15.
Dee will combine all of the responses into one document for TSA leadership approval and submission to TEA.
TEA Requests Comments on Proposed 2020 Results Driven Accountability (RDA) Manual
TEA Posts Optional BOY Assessments, ASVAB Waiver, K-2 & Gr. 7 Reading Waivers, & More
TEA announced new optional BOY assessments that can be administered to students at home either online or in print, waivers for ASVAB and K-2 and grade 7 reading diagnostic instruments, and more on the COVID-19 website:
Optional BOY Assessments FAQ dated May 19
This FAQ announces TEA’s new, state provided, optional beginning-of-year (BOY) assessments for fall 2020.
Important to note: “The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will not use data from the BOY assessments for any accountability purposes. Data may only be used to research the educational impact of the current crisis and to spread best practices.” Access the new BOY Assessment FAQ here.
ASVAB Waiver dated May 5
Districts that cannot meet the 2019-2020 requirements of SB 1843 (85th Texas Legislature) due to COVID-19 and the closing of Texas school facilities can submit a waiver request to waive the 2019-2020 school year requirement.
Access ASVAB Waiver Instructions here.
K- 2 & Gr. 7 Reading Diagnostic Waivers dated May 28
Because of disruptions to the 2019-2020 school year and possible disruptions to the 2020-2021 school year resulting from COVID-19, districts may request a one year waiver in order to continue to use the reading diagnostic instruments they used in the 2019-2020 school year or another instrument approved by a local district board of trustees in order to best meet student needs in the 2020-2021 school year.
Access Reading Diagnostic Instrument Guidance and Waiver Instructions here.
Members are encouraged to check the agency’s COVID-19 website often for assessment and accountability updates.
BREANKING NEWS: The College Board Is Sued Over AP Test Glitches
A class action lawsuit has been filed against the College Board on behalf of high school students who took a new online version of the Advanced Placement exams and had trouble submitting their answers due to technical problems.
The suit’s claims against the College Board include breach of contract, gross negligence, misrepresentation and violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Read the Forbes article here.