The Colorado Standards and Assessments Task Force (HB14-1202): Report of Findings and Recommendations
In 2014, the Colorado General Assembly created the Colorado Standards and Assessments Task Force to study Colorado’s state and local assessment systems. A key goal was to reduce the testing burden on school districts and schools, as well as to address technology assessment needs and costs. Although...
Issue Paper 1: Computer-Adaptive Tests
This issue paper describes computer-adaptive tests (CATs) and their potential uses, as well as concerns associated with CAT use. Included is draft regulatory language and CAT use questions that will be discussed by the negotiated rulemaking committee.
Better Tests, Fewer Barriers: Advances in Accessibility through PARCC and Smarter Balanced
As the title implies, this Center for American Progress publication provides an overview of the general movement toward increased accessibility for students with disabilities (SWDs) and English Language Learners (ELLs). The authors present statistics showing a substantial increase in the numbers of...
A Primer on NAEP: How the National Test Fits Into the Assessment Landscape
In this short Education Week article, the author describes very basic information about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), including the different types of NAEP tests, the purposes of the tests, how often they are administered, who takes NAEP tests, and several sample questions...
Supporting the Implementation of NGSS through Research: Assessment
From the authors: "The NGSS [Next Generation Science Standards] identify three dimensions essential for providing students with a quality science education: science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts across domains of science, and disciplinary core ideas.
Assistive Technologies for Computer-Based Assessments
From the author: "This essay discusses the impact of technology on education and educational assessment, which is even more profound for test takers with disabilities and special needs."
Considerations for Next-Generation Assessments: A Roadmap to 2014
From the publisher's web site: "This road map is intended to help states navigate—and mitigate—the many interdependent issues and challenges they will face as they transition to online assessments. Based on insight from states that have already made the transition and from assessment experts, this...
Technology Guidelines
This webpage provides information on the type of hardware (e.g., computers and tablets) and web browsers that are required for the practice tests. Click here for the PARCC SystemCheck Tool for TestNav.