Clearer communication, more consistent use of results, and an ongoing commitment to improving test administration could help address testing concerns.
SALEM — The Oregon Department of Education should take actions to address concerns of parents and educators about statewide end-of-year testing, according to a new audit released by Secretary of State Jeanne P. Atkins today. The audit was conducted in response to House Bill 2713 (2015), developed with input from the Oregon Audits Division.
“Our auditors conducted wide-reaching surveys of parents and educators, visited six public schools, and interviewed over 100 people to learn about the challenges and concerns over the Smarter Balanced tests,” Atkins said. “These results include input from teachers, administrators, and parents across the state. Although the test had only been in place for a year when we began the audit, it is apparent that there is not a clear understanding about the test’s purpose and that administering the test is presenting challenges to some schools.”
Smarter Balanced is tied to the Common Core State Standards and was implemented in Oregon starting in spring of 2015. The audit released today mainly includes information from the first year administering the test, although some information from early in the second year is included.
Auditors found mixed opinions on the new tests. According to some educators, preparing for and administering the test took away from instruction time and added stress. Specific concerns included testing time taking staff away from other duties, with some schools needing to hire additional staff or substitutes specifically for testing. It was reported that in some instances, school computers were unavailable for months during testing. While many Oregon schools had to make adjustments, some educators also said the impact was no different from the previous test. Further, some stakeholders saw improvements with test administration in the second year. Some also appreciated having a test tied to standards that are more rigorous.
“The demands on staff and technology resources while administering statewide tests can be challenging for schools and districts,” Atkins said. “As we begin this new school year, the Department should work with educators and administrators to find ways to lessen the burden on Oregon’s students and teachers.”
When describing the impact on students, some educators expressed concerns that certain student populations may experience more negative impacts than others. Despite providing accommodations, the test’s greater use of technology and emphasis on written responses may increase the risk that some students are not be able to demonstrate their abilities accurately.
Students in special education, English Language Learners, and students with less exposure to technology and typing may be particularly affected. Students are given as much time as they need to complete the test but those who take longer can miss more instruction time.
“In order for these tests to provide useful information, students need to be able to demonstrate their abilities capably,” Atkins said. “If a student’s individual circumstances prevent them from doing their best work on the test, it calls into question the value of the results. Meanwhile, the student may experience additional stress and that could negatively impact their self-esteem.”
Educators and parents expressed concerns that because the focus of these tests are “summative”, that is, they only measure performance at the end of the year, the tests may not have as great a value to instruction. The audit team heard that a more comprehensive assessment system could be useful. Additional resources for the types of tests that can inform individual instruction could help students and support teachers.
“Moving ahead, we need to consider the assessment system as a whole,” Atkins said. “The department has made efforts to improve test administration but an ongoing commitment is needed.”
The audit recommends that the department clarify the purpose of the test; foster more consistent use of results, which varied among schools and districts; formalize channels for educators to provide feedback about test administration; and streamline test administration guidance, among other actions.
Read the full audit on the Secretary of State website.
The post Concerns about Smarter Balanced testing documented in new audit appeared first on The Oregon Secretary of State Newsroom.