ISAT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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ISAT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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.

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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.

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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.go
  v/saa/index.asp

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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/ind
  ex.html

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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.

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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.

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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 from the October
  training session http//isat.caltesting.org/docume
  ntation/index.html. All teachers, administrators,
  and students are encouraged to become familiar
  with the new assessment tools.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 skipping questions.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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_at_osbe.idaho.gov.