Criterion
Next Steps
Assessments are aligned
to standards
Collect rigorous and specific evidence of alignment between the new assessment
and Tennessee’s State Standards. This evidence must be the result of a researchbased method of measuring alignment.
Assessments ensure
technical quality
Collect rigorous and specific evidence that ensures TNReady produces valid
and reliable results for all of its intended purposes. Representatives from higher
education institutions should participate in this process, ensuring that proficiency
standards are a true measure of college readiness.
Assessments produce
results comparable to those
in other states
Collect evidence that the Tennessee Department of Education established
proficiency standards that align with proficiency standards from national assessments
and other state assessments. These proficiency standards should also indicate
students’ progress toward college and career readiness.
Assessments provide
accessibility for all students
Collect evidence that indicates TNReady was designed to provide accessibility for all
students.
Assessments provide
instructionally useful data
Collect evidence that indicates that assessment reports will be provided in a timely
fashion and can inform instruction. It would be ideal for the Tennessee Department
of Education to conduct user testing with Tennessee educators to ensure the reports
provide clear and concise information that teachers can use to improve instruction
and meet student needs.
Assessments follow
best practices in test
administration
Collect evidence from the Tennessee Department of Education that documents
the plans for test and data security. This evidence should ensure that data security
practices meet the requirements of Tennessee law.
Table 3
In addition to the action steps listed above, Tennessee education partners should support the Tennessee Department of
Education as a transition is made to the new assessment. The following list describes additional ways education partners
throughout the state can work to ensure teachers and students have the support they need to successfully transition to a new
assessment:
Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) should release a series of follow-up reports that evalThe State
uate Tennessee’s new assessment against the above criteria on an annual basis for the next four years. This report
should involve assessment experts from higher education, highlight strengths of the assessment, and explore opportunities for continuous improvement to the assessment.
The Tennessee Department of Education and Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) should provide high-quality
professional learning opportunities for teachers, principals, and district leaders on the new assessment.
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