What's New

2009-10 ACCESS for ELLs® Test Window

The test window for the State Language Proficiency Examination is from December 1-February 12.

MetriTech will ship the Pre-Id labels to all districts on January 8.

Additonal test materials may be ordered directly from MetriTech at www.Metritech.com until January 29, 2010.

2009 Testing Window and H1N1

The Fall 2009 official testing window for the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) and the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities (WAA-SwD) is October 26 – November 27. DPI recommends that schools try to complete the majority of testing within the first two weeks of the window, leaving the remaining time for make-up sessions.

In recognition of possible H1N1 outbreaks this fall, DPI will allow districts to begin testing at any time after test books have arrived in districts. Test books are scheduled to arrive in districts by October 9. If a district chooses to begin testing early, please be aware that student labels may not have arrived yet. A student’s name can be written where the label goes, and the label can then be applied later to the student’s book. All testing must be completed by November 27 and all test books scheduled for pick-up no later than December 7 so that we can meet our contracted schedule for test book scanning and scoring.

Looking to the Future

State Superintendent Tony Evers has announced that the WKCE will be phased out in favor of a new balanced assessment system. The characteristics of the new assessment system will follow recommendations of the Next Generation Assessment Task Force. See The Next Generation Assessment Task Force web page for information about the task force and their recommendations. New assessments for students in elementary and middle schools will likely be computer-based with multiple opportunities to test during the school year to track student growth. High school tests will provide more information on college and workforce readiness. The WKCE will continue to be administered for at least the next two years. For additional information, see the complete press release.

Reminder to Update WSLS Data

The Department of Public Instruction creates student demographic pre-ID labels for WSAS test booklets. The labels are created using the Wisconsin Student Number Locator System (WSLS) and the Individual Student Enrollment System (ISES) databases and will be shipped to districts before the fall 2009 test window. To make this process as easy as possible during the busy testing window, please do the following:

Update ALL WSLS records and ISES “Grade Level Placement” fields before 4:00 PM on September 30, 2009.
Update all WSLS records again before 4:00 PM on October 30, 2009 (review and revision period ends).
Verify and lock all ISES records before 8:00 AM on November 18, 2009.

WAA-SwD Braille Versions and Picture Descriptions: Orders are due September 15, 2009.

The Braille and Large Print Order Form is available on the forms page and should be submitted to DPI no later than September 15, 2009. Braille materials for the WAA-SwD are produced on an as-needed basis. Use of the Braille and picture description accommodations should be consistent with day-to-day instructional methods.

Orders for Braille and Large Print Versions of the WKCE Due September 15, 2009

Braille and Large Print Order Form - Is available on the forms page and should be submitted no later than September 15, 2009, to CTB/McGraw-Hill. Follow submission instructions on form.

The 2009-10 DAC Confidentiality and Contact Updates Was Due June 15, 2009 (but if you have not completed yet please do so)

The District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) Information Update Form - Accurate and up-to-date DAC information ensures timely delivery of assessment-related information from DPI and test materials from the test contractor to your district.

The Confidentiality Agreement Form - Your signed confidentiality agreement is your assurance that you will maintain the confidentiality of the WKCE and WAA-SwD tests, items, field test items, and so on at all levels of test administration and data analysis.

For questions about this information, contact oeamail@dpi.wi.gov

Last updated on 11/6/2009 2:59:40 PM

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