Assessment Updates

Assessment Updates
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide important information and updates about various assessments throughout the year.

NSCAS Growth Training Video and Slides

NSCAS Growth Test Administration Training video

NSCAS Growth Spring 2025 Test Administration Training Q&A


*NEW* NSCAS Growth Spring 2025 Family Guide

Click here

NSCAS Test Security Resources & Summer Data Verification

NEW NWEA MAP GROWTH NORMS COMING IN SUMMER 2025!

For questions about the contract with NWEA MAP Growth contact:

Desmond White, desmond.white@nwea.org (less than 1,000 students)

Nancy Barber, nancy.barber@nwea.org (more than 1,000 students)

Updated DAC Task Checklist & Statewide Assessment Contact

Use these tools to help you stay organized this year!



NSCAS Growth Alternate Assessment
Click to go to the NDE Alternate Assessment Website

NSCAS Alternate Trainings

  • Spring 2025 test window: 3/24 – 5/2/25
    • Spring 2025 Administration training webinars (only need to attend one):
    • Student/Test Management opens: 2/17/25
    • End-of-Window Clean-up: 5/3 – 5/7/25
  • Alternate Assessment Instructional Support Professional Development webinars:
    • ELA – 2/20/25
    • Science – 2/28/25
    • Math – 3/4/25

*NEW* Alternate Assessment Eligibility Process and Documents

Due to Nebraska still exceeding the 1% Threshold Cap, NDE has changed the process for identification.

NSCAS Alternate Summative Assessment – Nebraska Department of Education

  • Alternate Assessment Implementation Procedures for New Eligibility Guidelines
  • Alternate Assessment Guiding Questions
  • Alternate Assessment Eligibility Worksheet


Questions contact Sharon Heater (sharon.heater@nebraska.gov)

Training resources:



Questions about TCM:


Other resources

Test Day Checklist (pdf)

Pre-Recorded Audio Guidelines (pdf)

ACT Test Translated Directions for English Learners – Online Testing (pdf)

ACT Test Translated Directions for English Learners (pdf)

Printable Task Cards for Online Testing (pdf)


Visit the ACT website for information, training and resources for both the ACT and the PreACT.


ACT Test Dates for Spring 2025

TEST WINDOW 1- Initial

Standard Administration (PAPER): March 25, 2025

Accommodations Administration (PAPER): March 25-28 & March 31, April 1-4

Standard & ACT Authorized Accommodations (ONLINE): March 25-28 & March 31, April 1-4

TEST WINDOW 2- Initial and Makeups

Standard Administration (PAPER): April 8, 2025

Accommodations Administration (PAPER): April 8-11 & April 14-18

Standard and ACT-Approved Accommodations (ONLINE): April 8-11 & April 14-18

TEST WINDOW 3- Makeups ONLY

Standard Administration (PAPER): April 22, 2025

Accommodations Administration (PAPER): April 22-25 & April 28-30, May 1-2


Standard and ACT-Approved Accommodations (ONLINE): April 22-25 & April 28-30, May 1-2


PreACT Spring test dates: March 10-April 24, 2025 (Schedule of Events TBD)

  • Spring PreACT Pretest Webinar: 2/4/2025 at 4 pm CT. Registration late fall
  • Spring PreACT Test Day Webinar: 2/18/2025 at 4 pm CT. Registration late fall


Resources:



ACT Digital Test Coordinator Modules (for districts and external programs)

  • In the move from PearsonAccess next to the ACT Now platform, we are finding a few changes. One of the changes is with the ACT Test Administrator manuals. The information previously located in the manuals is now available in a digital format called modules. These modules are provided for the test coordinator and a shorter version for the room supervisor or proctor.
  • This information can be found on the ACT sponsored website under Step 2- TCM Resources and the home page of your Test Center Manager app.
  • The information is broken down into modules. Each module can be printed if you have limited access to the internet. Below is a list of the links to each module and a screenshot of the process to print this material. Also included is the link to the verbal instructions for test day. This may be useful for your room supervisors to review before test day.



Request Accommodations and/or English Learner (EL) Supports

Websites:

Resources for Accommodations::

ACT Sponsored Website for Nebraska
Click here for the latest ACT/PreACT information, important dates and trainings.

ELPA21 & ALT ELPA

ALT ELPA TRAININGS


Each session has their own registration link. Make sure you are registering for the ones you plan on attending:


ELPA Training Opportunities (for districts and external programs)

  • There are several training opportunities for test administrators and coordinators.
  • Modules can be found on the ELPA21 Training Platform. Please see the directions to access these modules.
  • The NE Cambium Portal also offers many training modules such as using TIDE, managing rosters, test delivery system overview, and more.

TESTING WINDOW

  • ELPA21 and Alt ELPA testing window: 1/27/25 – 3/14/25
    • Student/Test Management is open

Updated Guidance following US Dept. of Education Monitoring Visit

  • Foreign exchange students follow the same standardized entrance procedures for identification of English Learners, including the completion of a Home Language Survey and if warranted, screening for eligibility as English Learners.


LINKS

NE ELPA21 Portal

ELPA21 Training System

NDE English Learner Programs Website

EL Adviser Reports through NDE

ESU 10 NWEA Certified Facilitators

For more information contact:

Denise O'Brien, dobrien@esu10.org

Amy Walters, awalters@esu10.org

Amy Walters
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