IOWA Department of Education A Continuing Conversation Assessment in Iowa: Where are we now? Where are we going? November 1, 2013

IOWA Department of Education Review current policy and practice Discuss actions to evolve the assessment system Input from the Superintendents on direction November 1, Objectives

IOWA Department of Education We have new standards Iowa Tests are required assessments Accountability system based on original NCLB Our Educator Evaluation processes do not meet federal expectations Our initial attempts (2012) to improve the situation were not successful Our second attempts (2013) were mixed – Educator Development Council Established (3-Years of study) – No College and Career Assessment Funding – Task force to recommend Assessment changes established (new assessment by 2016 school year) November 1, Where are we now?

IOWA Department of Education Current assessment considerations – SBAC – Iowa State Assessment Task Force – Assessment Update Regarding Early Literacy November 1, Where are we going?

IOWA Department of Education Quality must be demonstrated Iowa has a proud and long history of student assessments, with very strong traditions of local control of education making a change to a statewide assessment a big deal Cost must be understood Costs will vary across districts, but some districts could make decisions that will increase their total cost of assessment Relationships must be defined Iowa Assessments is currently the legally mandated test administrator Iowa’s Considerations New assessments will requires a minimum level of technology available at all schools and not all districts currently meet these standards Technology must be planned for Iowa has four key considerations in developing a new assessment system 3

IOWA Department of Education November 1, Update: SBAC Field Test This Year

IOWA Department of Education Next Steps November 1, 20137

IOWA Department of Education November 1, State Assessment Work Teams Assessment Task Force: Accountability Assessment Commissioned by HF 215 Assessment Task Force: Accountability Assessment Commissioned by HF 215 Comprehensive Balanced Assessment Advisory Began January, 2013 Entire Assessment System

IOWA Department of Education The task force shall submit its recommendations in a report to the director, the state board, and the general assembly by January 1, The task force shall assist with the final development and implementation of the assessment administered pursuant to subparagraph (2). The task force members includes teachers, school administrators, business leaders, representatives of state agencies, and members of the general public. November 1, Assessment Task Force

IOWA Department of Education November 1, RtI Implementation Started