KCKPS Change in High-Stakes Assessments
Last summer, the district asked the United States Department of Education (USDOE) for permission to change the test used to measure the progress of students. This was done in the belief that current tests, the Kansas Assessments, are not strong enough to make sure that students graduate high school ready for college and careers. The district asked for a "waiver" to raise standards and to give the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test to students in grades 3-7, the EXPLORE-ACT to 8th graders, and the ACT to 11th graders. These tests are more challenging, and success on these measures is essential to demonstrate that students, as they graduate, are ready for college and careers.
The district has received approval to use the EXPLORE-ACT and ACT, but the request to use the MAP has been denied. This means that, in order to be in compliance, district elementary students in grades 3-5 must take the Kansas Assessments, beginning on April 2, 2012, as will our 6th and 7th graders. Later in April and early May, the district will also give elementary and 6th and 7th grade students the MAP test. The MAP test is aligned with college and career readiness standards, and it is a critical tool for students, teachers and parents. Teachers and administrators will use it to ensure that at each grade level 3-7, students are on-track and on-time with their work, and prepared to be successful on the EXPLORE in 8th grade, and ACT in high school.
The video below contains information about how the district will respond to the USDOE decision, and talking points about the district response are available as well. — USDOE Response - Talking Points .pdf
USDOE Response on Waiver Request:
If you have problems viewing the above embedded video, try viewing it directly on SchoolTube (26:33 minutes).
Power Walkthrough & Literacy Audit Tools:
If you have problems viewing the above embedded video, try viewing it directly on SchoolTube (7:49 minutes).
Dr. Lane's Message to High School Students:
If you have problems viewing the above embedded video, try viewing it directly on SchoolTube (7:48 minutes).
Dr. Lane's Message to Staff:
If you have problems viewing the above embedded video, try viewing it directly on SchoolTube (6:41 minutes).