Office of Educational Accountability
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Fall 2007 Pre-test Workshop - Questions and Answers
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Confidentiality Agreement Forms
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Is it required that the Confidentiality Agreement be signed by all teachers who proctor the test?
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Yes. Anyone who has access to the test should sign the confidentiality agreement. The district should keep those on file.
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Is it required that the Confidentiality Agreement be signed by all teachers who proctor the test? |
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Yes. Anyone who has access to the test should sign the confidentiality agreement. The district should keep those on file.
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| Q. |
Are both forms of the Confidentiality Agreement available on the web acceptable to use? |
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There should only be one version of the confidentiality agreement form and it is available on the web at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/dacforms.html.
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| Q. |
Will the Confidentiality Agreement form be included in the TCK sent to each school?
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No. The Confidentiality Agreement form can be located at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/dacforms.html.
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ELL and Translation
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Do I need to administer the WKCE to a foreign exchange student?
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Yes. You must test all students enrolled. Because the student is probably not a Full Academic Year Student, the student counts for AYP only as a test participant and is not calculated into reading and mathematics proficiency rates.
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| Q. |
Can or should the district employ Spanish/Hmong speakers to assist in proctoring the test for ELL students?
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A qualified proctor for the WKCE is an employed district staff member (or student teacher) who has been trained in test administration. A qualified proctor for the WAA-SwD is an employed district staff member who is a certified teacher who has been trained in test administration.
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| Q. |
So, ELL students are tested during a different window (Dec 3-Feb 15) and not during Oct-Nov window? |
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No, the ACCESS Proficiency test is given December 3-Feb 15. ELL students must take the WKCE with the other students during the October 22-November 23 testing window.
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| Q. |
Is there any way the ELL translation materials are made available when the test materials are available on October 5th? Mid October is extremely late?
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DPI is working right now to get the translations completed, and will notify DAC’s via email when they are available.
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| Q. |
Can you give a specific definition of how FAY is calculated. We have heard 3rd Friday to 3rd Friday vs. 9 months vs. an arbitrary date that was selected. A uniform and consistent definition is critical? |
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An FAY student is one who has been continuously enrolled in a school or district for 9.25 months, not including time that the student is not in school during summer. Since schools and districts across the state have different starting and ending dates, the 9.25 months is calculated in ISES. See the “Months in School” and “Months in District” headings at http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/isescalc.html#months_in_school for more information.
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| Q. |
Many Hmong adults (including our BEAs) do NOT read Hmong, which renders the translated script minimally useful. Do you have any advice? |
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DPI is currently taping an oral translation for Hmong that will available for the 2007-08 test administration. DAC’s will receive an email regarding this when it is completed. It will be on a CD that includes a visual of each test page in English while someone reads each item in Hmong.
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| Q. |
Can HS students in grades 11 or 12 who are in advanced Spanish classes be used to read the translation guide for the WKCE for Spanish speaking students? Even having the guide, without knowing Spanish, you can miss-pronounce the translation.
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No. Students may not be translators. Translators should participate in all aspects of staff training related to test administration and test security. Preference should be given to individuals with Bachelor’s Degrees in Modern Languages. When this is not possible, be sure that translators have the following qualifications:
- mastery of the target language
- familiarity with both cultures
- extensive general vocabulary in both languages
- ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages
(See Translator Guidelines for more information.)
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| Q. |
Is there an opt-out / parental refusal for ACCESS testing? |
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There is no parent opt-out for the ACCESS test. It is required for all ELL students if the district receives Title III funding for that student. It is not an achievement test. It is used to make decisions about students’ educational needs as are many assessments given to students on the local level.
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ISES
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When is the absolute deadline for getting the Free/Reduced information updated into SASI and ISES to reflect accurately in RES?
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The initial submission period for ISES runs though November 5. The system will be closed for a few days for statewide validation, and then opened for a review and revision period through November 26. The data locked after November 26 will be used to update student demographics for WSAS, and these data will be presented in RES. For more WSLS/ISES deadlines see: http://dpi.wi.gov/lbstat/isesdates.html
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| Q. |
What is ISES? Is that the same as eSIS?
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No. ISES is a state level student data collection used to meet federal and state reporting requirements. eSIS is a local district student information system.
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Lowest Tested Grade
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Is it lowest TESTED grade - like grade 3, OR LOWEST Grade - like PK4? |
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The School Header Sheet contains information about the lowest grade in the school. It provides information so that your data is reported correctly for AYP and on the WINSS website. DPI is particularly interested in the lowest grade if it is a grade level of testing. If the lowest grade in your school is NOT a tested grade (such as PK4), the lowest grade field on the School Header Sheet will be blank. If the lowest grade is not blank and not accurate contact Phil Cranley at DPI at (608)266-9798
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NAEP
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Is the information on NAEP participation sent directly to DAC's or school principals or both? |
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The informational packets mailed in fall should have been sent directly to the school principal. DACs are generally included in communication regarding NAEP, particularly when deadlines are approaching, but principals and school assessment coordinators are the primary contacts. If you are a NAEP school this year, you already know about it.
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| Q. |
Is the information on NAEP participation sent directly to DAC's or school principals or both?
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The informational packets mailed in fall should have been sent directly to the school principal. DACs are generally included in communication regarding NAEP, particularly when deadlines are approaching, but principals and school assessment coordinators are the primary contacts. If you are a NAEP school this year, you already know about it.
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| Q. |
I am a new school counselor. How do I know if my school is included in NAEP? |
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The principal should have received notice of participation last school year, along with an informational packet in August. I would recommend checking with your principal first. Otherwise feel free to contact Abby Potter at aubree.potter@dpi.wi.gov.
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Non-Standard Accommodation Form
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If the DPI approves an accommodation that is NOT on the approved matrix, is the test still considered invalid?
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No, if the request is approved by DPI the accommodation would not invalidate the test. You would mark the bubble on the back of the test book that refers to “other allowed accommodations.”
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Scribe
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Please provide more information regarding the scribes for the WKCE. One of our teachers for special education wants additional information than what is addressed on the Assessment Matrix (i.e. definition of a scribe-Who can be one?…specific duties of a scribe, etc.)
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The role of a scribe on the Writing Test -
The role of a scribe is to write the words verbatim with a #2 pencil as dictated by a student who is unable to write due to a disability or a temporary problem like a broken arm. The WKCE writing prompts measures composition, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; therefore, on the writing test a student must dictate the grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. A scribe must not correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors on the writing test, nor suggest anything to be included in the student’s answer. However, the scribe may read back the information that the student has given and allow the student to edit it verbally.
All Other Portions of the Test -
The role of a scribe is to fill in the bubbles or write the words verbatim with a #2 pencil as dictated by a student who is unable to write due to a disability or a temporary problem like a broken arm. A scribe must not make corrections nor suggest anything to be included in the student’s answer. However, the scribe may read back the information that the student has given and allow the student to edit it verbally. It is not necessary to have the student dictate spelling, punctuation, or capitalization on any portion of the test except for the writing assessment itself. However, the content and wording of the response should be captured verbatim.
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Students moving during the testing window
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Some of our migrant students will be moving back to Texas. What do I do about that?
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Please see the table at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/pdf/07stdsmov.pdf.
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| Q. |
What do you do with a student's test book if they move out of state during testing window?
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Please see the table at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/pdf/07stdsmov.pdf.
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| Q. |
What is to be done in the event a student moves into your district from another district near the end of testing (they haven't completed the testing) and you do not receive materials from the other district until after the testing window closes? |
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Please see the table at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/pdf/07stdsmov.pdf.
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Security
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Is a locked room good enough for test security?
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Ideally the materials would be kept in a locked cabinet or drawer, but as long as the staff who have access to the room are aware of the security involved with the test books and have signed the confidentiality agreement form it should be fine.
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Test Guides and Manuals
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Will we have to download and run off all of the teacher guides and manuals or will they come with the testing materials?
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All test guides and manuals will be shipped to you with your other testing materials.
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WAA-SwD
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Do you go online to register for pick up for the WAA-SwD test booklets using the same URL for the WKCE booklets? Will you need a school header sheet?
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Districts must submit a WKCE test book for each student enrolled. Most of the test books will be for students who took WKCE, some will be for students who did not test, and some will be for students who have had the back of their WKCE test book bubbled to indicate that they will take WAA in January. All of these books should be packed under the WKCE School Header Sheet and shipped with the “To Be Scored” (pink label) materials. Use the WKCE URL by December 3, 2007 to arrange to have these boxes picked up by the designated carrier. After the WAA test window in January, districts will submit a book (answer document) for each student tested using WAA. Districts will have special WAA School Header Sheets, and will receive a WAA Test Coordinator Kit that indicates the URL to arrange for pick-up of the WAA tests for scoring.
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| Q. |
We should keep a copy of the label for students who will be taking the WAA-SwD test later in January, but if it's a 4, 8, or 10th grader...we need labels for both booklets. How should we proceed? |
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Two sets of labels (4 bar-coded labels in all) are delivered for students in grade 4, 8, or 10. Use one label on the front cover of each book, and save the others in the student’s file. Save a label for students expected to take the WAA-SwD whenever an extra label is available.
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| Q. |
Can you go over how to handle labels and test books for SWD students who will take the WAA-SwD?
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A WKCE test book must be submitted for all students enrolled at the time of testing. For students who will take WAA in January, place one bar-coded label on the front cover of the WKCE test book, and bubble the back of the WKCE test book to indicate which WAA tests the student will take. Save the additional bar-coded label in the student’s file in case you do not get a label for that student prior to WAA testing.
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| Q. |
Students who are to take WAA-SwD, are their empty booklets considered "to be scored" or "not to be scored"? |
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They are considered “To be scored.”
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| Q. |
Can students take the WAA-SwD in one or two subjects only and then take the regular assessment in the other subjects? How often is this done?
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For the 2007-08 year only, students may take the WCKE in some subjects and the WAA-SwD in others.
Beginning in 2008-09 students will be required to take only the WKCE or the WAA-SwD.
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| Q. |
Since the WAA test will take place in January - how do we test a WAA student who was in 10th grade in November (during WKCE test) but is now in 11th grade in January? Does that child still test with the WAA or does that child no longer test? If the child still tests - do we code that child as a 10th or 11th grader? |
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It will be preferable to have the student take the WAA-SwD in January, even if they have technically moved up to 11th grade. This will ensure that there are complete test results for that student so that they do not appear to be “not tested” in those subjects. Beginning in 2008-09, this will not be an issue as the windows will be at the same time.
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WKCE
| Q. |
I thought 3rd and 5th graders were going to be tested in science in 2007?
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NCLB requires states to administer science assessments once at each level beginning in 2007-08. We already meet this requirement with our science test at 4, 8, and 10.
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| Q. |
What is a calibration district? |
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The calibration districts were selected as a representative sample of the statewide population. Results from the 12 calibration districts are used to equate the current tests with the tests from prior years.
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| Q. |
Should we invalidate an individual student's test if we observe them speeding through the test, marking answers without reading the question?
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Make every effort to get the student to take the test seriously. If you believe the test results will be invalid, you may choose to invalidate the test. Directions for invalidating the test are available in the DAC Guide. If a test is invalidated, the student counts as a not-tested student.
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| Q. |
If you need to send in a book by itself (didn't include it in the original shipment), after registering online again, what should you include with it? (another school header sheet..,?)?
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First contact the CTB help desk to alert them that you will be sending an additional test. You will need a School Header Sheet and a School Group List. You should also provide contact information so that personnel from the CTB scoring center can call or email you with questions. The test should be sent back in a CTB test box, not in a manila envelope or different box than the originals.
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| Q. |
You referenced four different forms of the test for various grades. How do teachers know which form to give students?
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The books are packed so that all forms are spirally arranged one after another as A BCD. As already explained during the pre-test workshop, the operational form (the portion of the test that are scored for test results) are the same across the different forms. The last session is the field test session (this session includes the questions that will not be part of the test results but are used for testing how the questions perform during the development phase). You should distribute test books to students in the order the books are bundled when you receive them. If some students are tested with accommodations in a small group, it is permissible to have them all use the same test book form so as to simplify the administration for the test proctor.
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| Q. |
How long is it recommended to keep past WCKE test booklets?
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There is no specific recommendation regarding this. However you would need the books at least for one year for public access review as well as for data retreats. Please complete the confirmation of destruction and follow the secure procedures while destroying the test books from previous administrations.
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Last year districts were allowed to keep up to 20 unused test books for each tested grade level. Will this still be allowed for use with the item analysis data and parental/public review? |
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Yes. You should keep the number you need for item analysis purposes, up to 20 per grade level.
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| Q. |
Are the practice activities ready and available online right now for 2007 testing?
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Yes, on the WKCE webpage at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/wkce.html under each content area there are sample and practice items.
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| Q. |
Is there a glossary of WKCE terms for English speaking children?
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No. The assessment frameworks are a good resource for reviewing the concepts and terminology that may be expected of students on the WKCE test.
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| Q. |
Is the carrier going to place a label on each of the boxes when he/she comes to pick them up? So we shouldn't shrink wrap the stack on a pallet? Last year he seemed to like the fact that that process was done?
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The carrier will place a label on each box if it’s UPS so the district should not shrink wrap. If it’s a freight carrier like Conway picking up 18 boxes or more, they will provide a Bill of Lading. In those cases, the district may palletize shrink wrap if they have the ability.
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| Q. |
I have been told that special education 4th graders are only required to take the reading and math portion of the WKCE for students with severe behavior problems (i.e. jail, drug rehab, etc.)?
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Every student is expected to take all parts of the test. It is up to the school to determine if there are circumstances for any students that may make this difficult. Always be aware that a student will count as “not tested” for accountability if they do not take the reading test or the mathematics test. A school must meet the 95% test participation requirement, which is meant to recognize that it may not always be possible to test 100% of students.
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| Q. |
Will the parent brochure be the same as last year? Will any be shipped this year? IF so, when? |
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The parent brochure will be very similar to last year. A few updates have been made to the document. It is currently available on the OEA website at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/publications.html. They should also be shipped with your test materials as before. Translations in Spanish and Hmong will also be posted.
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| Q. |
Do I have to test students who participated in the WKCE last year and are still enrolled in the same grade this year? |
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Yes. The WKCE must be administered to all students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 10, no matter how many times a particular student has participated in the past. Some students will take the WKCE at the same grade level for consecutive years.
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Writing Assessment
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What will be the genre of the Writing portion for 4th, 8th and 10th grade for this year?
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The writing assessment will be persuasive for 8th grade and 10th grade in 2007-08, and descriptive for grade 4.
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| Q. |
How can I get a copy of the released WRITING items to practice for 4th and 8th grade?
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The Writing Exemplar Book will be available soon. DACs will receive notification via email when it is complete. There is currently the older draft of this document on the web at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/wkce.html#Language%20Arts.
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Misc.
For questions about this information, contact oeamail@dpi.wi.gov
Last updated on 2/26/2008 10:43:23 AM
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District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) Corner
WKCE
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