This page holds my most frequently asked questions about benchmarking. If you have a question that is not answered here, send me an email so I can help!

Who takes what benchmark and when?

See this page for that table.

Do benchmarks have to be recorded?

All virtually-administered benchmarks must be recorded. These recordings are ONLY for fidelity purposes and WILL NOT be used for anything else other than administrative viewing. This is to safeguard both Epic AND its families. You will need to complete a consent form, which should be given to you by your teacher.

Can students take their tests on mobile devices?

It depends on the mobile devices. Tests will not work on cell phones, but they can sometimes work on tablets. However, it is difficult to record on a tablet for fidelity purposes. If at all possible, testing should be done on a PC (laptop or desktop) or Chromebook that has a working webcam and microphone.

What do I do if a student enrolls during a benchmark window?

For PK–02 and 10–11 grade students, they will they will participate in the tests for whatever window in which they enrolled. Their quarter testing is not based on an initial Fall benchmark.

For 03–09 grade students, they will need to take the benchmark based on the previous grade level (what was given in the Fall). If they score below basic, then they do not need to take the Q1/Q2 tests. If they score at or above basic, then they will go ahead and take the Q1/Q2 tests. This is to fine-tune their learning progression. All grade 09 students will participate in all quarter testings regardless of the Fall test score since quarter tests are based on the ACT and not just grade 09 material.

What do I do if a student enrolls between benchmark windows?

For PK–02 and 10–11 grade students, they will they need to take the previous window’s test within 14 school days of ILP completion. If the next window begins within those 14 days, you can wait until the new window starts and then give them whatever test is assigned to that window.

If a 03–09 grade student enrolls between benchmark windows, then the student will take the Fall benchmark tests within 14 school days of ILP completion.  The student will then participate in any and all upcoming benchmark windows, regardless of their score.

Are there any exceptions for taking benchmark tests?

No. There were provisions last year, but those have been removed. All students in grades PK–11 are benchmarked. If seniors have not taken the national ACT (and do not have the medical exemption given to all juniors at the end of the 2019–2020 school year because of the Coronavirus outbreak), then they will need to benchmark. Check with their GSMs before proceeding.

My student is on an IEP. What testing accommodations do these new programs have?

MasteryConnect:

IEP/504 students who have documented TTS accommodations may use the TTS feature for a benchmark. Students who do NOT have a documented IEP/504 accommodations should not use the TTS feature under any circumstances. Parents are also not allowed to read to students for whom the TTS feature is not authorized. If your student is allowed TTS software, you can download a TTS browser extension like this one.

STAR Tests:

We are currently working on the loading procedures for special education students who need STAR assessments for the purpose of establishing pre-set levels of performance. The target date for loading completion is 08/24/2020. Please check back then for an update.

OAAP Students:

OAAP students will benchmark using Unique if they have chosen this as their core. Students who do not have Unique will take an alternate assessment as approved by their Principal and Transition coordinator.

My student is on probationary promotion for reading. How will this affect testing?

We are currently working on the loading procedures for grades 04 and 05 probationary promoters who need to access STAR Reading for RSA progress monitoring. Please note, the STAR Reading RSA progress monitoring is in addition to their required MasteryConnect benchmarks!

We will communicate the process for requesting this STAR product for your student once we have all of the pieces in place. We are currently striving for a target date of 08/24/2020.

In the meantime, please proceed with completing MasteryConnect grade level benchmarks for this group of students. The RSA deadline and Fall Benchmark window will be open until 09/20/2020.