Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program

http://arkansased.org/testing/actaap.html

Current law and the State Board of Education regulations require the administration of criterion-referenced tests (CRTs), and norm-referenced tests (NRTs).  ALL students are expected to participate in state assessments.   Beginning with the 2007-2008 year the students will be taking an augmented assessment which includes both CRT and NRT test items.  Only around 50% of the test items will be released after testing has completed, which is unlike previous years where almost all of the CRT items were released for teacher use.

Performance Levels for the Benchmark and End of Course Exams

Advanced: Advanced students demonstrate superior performance well beyond proficient grade level performance. They can apply Arkansas established reading, writing, and mathematics skills to solve complex problems and complete demanding tasks on their own. They can make insightful connections between abstract and concrete ideas as well as provide well-supported explanations and arguments.

Proficient: Proficient students demonstrate solid academic performance for the grade tested and are well-prepared for the next level of schooling. They can use Arkansas established reading, writing, and mathematics skills and knowledge to solve problems and complete tasks on their own. Students can tie ideas together and explain the ways their ideas are connected.

Basic: Basic students show substantial skills in reading, writing, and mathematics; however, they only partially demonstrate the abilities to apply these skills. They demonstrate a need for some additional assistance, commitment or study to reach the proficient level.

Below Basic: Below basic students fail to show sufficient mastery of skills in reading, writing, and mathematics to attain the basic level

Test Dates for 2009-2010

Please check the link below to the Commissioner's Memo regarding next years test dates.

http://arkedu.state.ar.us/commemos/custview.cgi?filename=3702

ADE site link for released item booklets and teacher handbooks for all assessments.

http://arkansased.org/testing/assessment.html

Triand

http://www.triand.com/