ISAT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is OSBE making so many changes to the ISAT?

• The contract between NWEA & OSBE was due to expire.

• Even if the contractor was the same, changes in the ISAT would still need to have been made to comply with federal requirements.

What type of test will the new ISAT be?

• The new ISAT will be a criterion-referenced test with an extender second session. The test will be based on Idaho Standards at each grade level for each subject.

• Extender will enable a more defined achievement level for the advanced and below basic students.

Will there be a training session before the spring test?

• Yes. Representatives from DRC, CAL and the Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) will conduct a statewide ISAT training session March 6-15, 2007. Details for each session are located on the OSBE website. http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/saa/index.asp

Will there be a demo of the test available before the 2007 Spring Test?

• Yes. DRC has created a practice test that will allow students, teachers, and administrators to become familiar with the new format and assessment tools. We strongly encourage becoming familiar with the practice test as soon as possible. http://isat.caltesting.org/tutorials/index.html

When is the ISAT Spring Testing Window?

• The spring testing window will be April 16-May 11, 2007, with one additional week for make-up for those students who were absent on their testing day.

Will scores still be reported as RIT scores?

• Yes. Scores will continue to be reported based upon the Rasch methodology and the graduation requirement will be phased in so that students graduating in the class of 2007 may meet the graduation requirement by scoring slightly lower than those graduating in 2008.

Is there a copy of the web-based training instructional power point

and systems specifications for tech coordinators?

• Yes. The following link will provide all of the web-ex manuals and documentation form the October training session http://isat.caltesting.org/documentation/index.html. All teachers, administrators, and students are encouraged to become familiar with the new assessment tools.

Will there be immediate test results?

• Spring 2007 test scores will be delayed in order to validate the cut scores. This is a one-time delay; and beyond the spring test, students will receive immediate feedback at the end of the ISAT.

• Student, school, and district reports will be delivered to the districts electronically four weeks after the testing window has closed.

Will there be an Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) waiver for spring

2007?

• Since the new test is being aligned with Idaho Content Standards and compatibility is included in data, there is no need for any special delay in AYP.

Will we be able to test our students with low connectivity and bandwidth

limitations?

• Bandwidth limitations, unreliable internet connectivity and power outages are challenges for some districts. CAL will help in dealing with these challenges and will serve as a resource for your technology coordinators. CAL can be accessed by calling DRC at 1-888-572-2050.

What was the purpose of the December Field Test?

• The December field test was part of the test development process. It was conducted to collect data on specific items to ensure that questions were aligned to the State Standards, in the proper range of difficulty and were not bias sensitive.

Can a student exit the test before answering all the questions?

• Yes. Students should be encouraged to complete the entire test and follow the directions. At the end of the test there will be a message informing the student that they have not answered all the questions and a red circle indicating which question needs to be completed. There will also be a confirmation message asking if they really would like to exit.

• Scores will be impacted by missing questions.

Can the “answer circles” be placed next to the questions?

• DRC takes great care in aligning the circles with the questions and will verify the placement before dispersing the test.

• All answers are pre-calibrated to the system settings so it is recommended to verify system settings according to specifications.

Why were the cut scores changed in Summer 2006?

• After receiving the Federal Peer Review the

previous methodology was found to be flawed.

• In the summer 2007 the cut scores will be revisited to ensure accuracy for the revised test.

Can sophomores and juniors continue to “bank” test scores?

• Yes. If a sophomore or junior meets proficiency in any subject, they may “bank” their score for that subject and continue testing until every subject has met proficiency.

• For students who reach their senior year and have not passed the ISAT it is strongly encouraged that they be placed in an alternative assessment route.

Will the new ISAT be the same length?

• The new ISAT will contain approximately the same number of items so time should be approximately the same as well.

• To help avoid students playing with the tools during testing it is strongly encouraged that they utilize the practice test.

Will DRC have a learning continuum and blueprint?

• DRC does not have a learning continuum, but they will be working with OSBE to provide tools for interpreting the test scores.

• The test blueprint will be posted February 2, 2007.

How do field test items become items on the test?

• Idaho educators review items for alignment, sensitivity, age appropriateness, language, vocabulary, and distracters.

• The items are then reviewed again by Idaho educators to ensure the data results are appropriate.

How can I participate in the test development process?

• If you have already participated in standard-setting, item review or some of the other activities that have taken place, you are already in the pool of participants. There are numerous opportunities still available, and there will be an effort to involve as many as possible over time.

Additional Questions

• As the details are worked out during the transition between NWEA and DRC, we will do our best to keep you informed.

• Please continue to check this website or email questions to accountability@osbe.idaho.gov.