1. CTAE End-of-Pathway Assessment: Student Credentialing Opportunities Mamie Hanson State CTAE Assessment Coordinator (404) 657-6279 mhanson@doe.k12.ga.us

2. Georgia’s End-of-Pathway Assessment Process Initiated in response to Perkins IV Legislation Core Indicator 2S1: Technical Skill Attainment Mandates states to measure technical skill attainment using industry validated standards

3. Georgia’s End-of-Pathway Assessment Process Use data from measurements to demonstrate student achievement and foster program improvement Report test data based on student demographics

4. Perkins IV Legislation Core Indicator 2S1 Measures must be “valid and reliable and include at a minimum challenging academic standards and attainment of skill proficiencies, including achievement on technical assessments that are aligned with industry recognized standards.” [b.2.A] Section 113: Accountability (Secondary Indicators-Core Indicator 2S1 )

5. Identification Activities  Convened program area specialists & other Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)  Researched and evaluated existing national assessments  Identified over 60 credentialing exams for pathway completers offered through 25 vendors

6. Credentialing Opportunities Over 60 credentialing opportunities Credentials: –a document attesting to the trust of certain stated facts – certification – certificate – high school diploma – licensure – 4-year degree

7. Georgia’s End-of-Pathway Inventory Listing national industry- developed certifications national occupational assessments state licensures & state issued certificates

8. FY2011 End-of-Pathway Assessment Activities  Includes assessing all CTAE students: Who have successfully completed the three or four designated courses in the pathway, OR students Who are enrolled in the last designated course (and on track) Where an assessment has been identified

9. End-of-Pathway Assessment Inventory Manual Provided to CTAE Administrators o Complete Inventory Listing o Assessment Information Sheets & Blueprints o Funding Request Document o Student Demographic Reporting Document

10. FY2010 & FY2011 Testing Activities  During the FY2010 school year  Tested approximately 700 students  29 participating systems  40 high schools  Based on documentation submitted by LEAs:  Over 6,000 students will be tested  December 2010 – June 2011 testing window

11. Assessment Information Sheet o designated courses o credentialing exam o testing agency o exam blueprint o exam cost o duration of exam o number of questions o test ordering information o proctoring guidelines o testing format o software specifications o test availability o testing agency contact

12. Types of Credentialing Exams  Credentialing Exams: o Several credentialing options o Requires a series of exams o Offers a series, but requires taking and passing only one  Pre-requites for some exams: o Requires student participation in accredited programs o Age requirement for some healthcare science pathways

13. Assessment Blueprints  Blueprints o serves as foundation of development o includes competencies tested; weighted; number of questions; duration of exam o Provided hard copies in manuals o Provided electronically through links on CTAE Website as of September 1 st

14. Exam Costs  Exam Costs: o Range between $10 - $336 per student o Lower costs on occupational assessments o Higher costs on stipulated industry certifications

15. Exam Specifications Duration of Exam: Ranges 1 hour – 3 hours Ranges 1 hour – 3 hours Allows multiple testing sessions Allows multiple testing sessions Not timed, allow 50 - 60 minutes Not timed, allow 50 - 60 minutes Number of Questions: Typically 50 - 60 Typically 50 - 60 Can range up to 250 – 300 Can range up to 250 – 300 Cut-Score: 70% average pass rate 70% average pass rate May not be published by testing agency May not be published by testing agency

16. Test Ordering Information  Ordering Information: o Before ordering exams, many testing agencies may require: o Schools to establish locations as testing sites by: 1.completing a testing agreement form and other forms of documentation 2.creating a user account 3.verifying a secure testing environment 4.signing a proctor’s agreement form or oath

17. Administering Exams  Proctoring Guidelines: o Most agencies allow any professional staff member to serve as proctor: o testing coordinator o administrator o media specialist o administrative assistant o Agencies typically do not allow instructor of students tested to serve as proctors o Check proctoring guidelines links

18. Testing Format  Testing Format: o On-line testing o Helps alleviate some security concerns o Provides quicker results to students & administrators o Limited number of paper & pencils exams listed

19. On-Line Testing Requirements  Computer Specifications: o Minimum hardware and software specifications required by testing agency  Test Availability: o Most exams available year-round o Some exams offered during a specific time-frame NOTE: Check assessment information sheets

20. Testing Agency Contacts o Administrative contact: o Credentialing information o Testing agency policies o Technical support contact: o Issues with on-line testing o Other technical inquiries

21. CTAE Assessment Funding Support for Student Testing To assist systems with EOPA expenses: o Funding will be provided to support student testing o Funding request documents were due in August 31 st o Seeking State Board of Education (SBOE) Approval in November for requested funding o Funding amounts will be placed in GAORS by mid-December

22. FY2011 CTAE Assessment Funding Request Document

24. PERKINSplus Reserve Grant Funds Available to systems to assist with preparing students to take end-of- pathway assessments Deadline for submission: September 15 th Maximum amount: $7,500 per application Can not be used to pay for student exams

25. Reporting FY2011 Test Data: Student Demographics Reported at the end of school year (June 2011) Data Requested: o System Name o System Code o Number Tested o Number Passed o Number Failed Demographic Breakdown o Female/Male o Ethnicity: o African-American o American Indian o Asian o Caucasian o Hispanic o Pacific Islander

26. Reporting FY2011 Test Data: Student Demographics