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Alternative Assessment Options for High School Graduation

Alternative Assessment Options for High School Graduation. Presentation to the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee January 17, 2007 Annie Pennucci and Robert Barnoski Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Who We Are. Washington State Institute for Public Policy:

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Alternative Assessment Options for High School Graduation

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  1. Alternative Assessment Options for High School Graduation Presentation to the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee January 17, 2007 Annie Pennucci and Robert Barnoski Washington State Institute for Public Policy

  2. Who We Are Washington State Institute for Public Policy: • Created by 1983 Legislature • Conduct non-partisan research on topics assigned by legislature or board of directors Representative Helen Sommers Robin Arnold-Williams, DSHS Representative Fred Jarrett Victor Moore, OFM Representative Phyllis Kenney Sandra Archibald, University of Washington House position pending Andrew Bodman, Western Washington University Senator Karen Fraser Les Purce, The Evergreen State College Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles Robert Rosenman, Washington State University Senator Pam Roach Ken Conte, House Office of Program Research Senator Mark Schoesler Richard Rodger, Senate Committee Services Slide 2 of 14

  3. Study Direction From 2006 Legislature “explore options to augment the current system of assessments to provide additional opportunities for students to demonstrate that they have met the state learning standards” Substitute Senate Bill 6618, Laws of 2006 “consult … with nationally recognized experts … office of superintendent of public instruction, educators, counselors, parents, the business community, classified employees, career and technical organizations, … federally recognized Washington tribes, … cultural, linguistic, and racial minority groups, and the community of persons with disabilities” “include recommendations on at least two alternative assessment options, alternative methods, procedures, or performance measures that were reviewed” Slide 3 of 14

  4. Background Prior research: David Conley, (2005). Study of Alternative Methods to the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL): Feasibility Study. Eugene, OR: Center for Educational Policy Research (CEPR). • Review of other states: • 14 of 25 states with high stakes assessments offer one or more alternatives as an option or part of the appeals process • Small percentages of students use alternative assessments Slide 4 of 14

  5. Washington’s Current Assessment System • WASL • Assessments for special populations Existing alternatives after two WASL attempts: • Subject-area GPA cohort • Collection of Evidence • College admissions tests: PSAT/SAT/ACT (math only) Slide 5 of 14

  6. Additional Alternatives • College placement tests • Comprehensive achievement tests • GPA overall • Segmented math exams Slide 6 of 14

  7. Legislatively Assigned Review Criteria • Rigor and content • Reliability • Costs • Implementation difficulty • Potential for standardization • Cultural appropriateness Plus: Potential to increase “met-standard” rates Slide 7 of 14

  8. Findings: Options With Low Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates The same level of academic ability is required to perform well across tests. Most are not diagnostic in that they do not provide feedback for classroom instruction. Slide 8 of 14

  9. Findings: Options With Low Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates The same level of academic ability is required to perform well across tests. Most are not diagnostic in that they do not provide feedback for classroom instruction. Slide 8 of 14

  10. Findings: Options With Low Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates The same level of academic ability is required to attain a GPA equivalent to meeting standard on the WASL. There is potential for grade inflation. Slide 9 of 14

  11. Findings: Options With Low Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates The same level of academic ability is required to attain a GPA equivalent to meeting standard on the WASL. There is potential for grade inflation. Slide 9 of 14

  12. Percent Met Standard by GPA 99% 98% 98% 99% 97% 94% Reading 92% 88% 87% Writing 85% 81% Math 77% 70% 66% 66% 56% 53% 48% 35% 23% 13% GPA 0.0 to 1.0 1.0 to <2.0 2.0 to <2.5 2.5 to <3.0 3.0 to <3.5 3.5 to <4.0 4.00 % Cum. % 4.3% 4.3% 16.9% 21.2% 14.5% 35.7% 17.6% 53.3% 19.7% 73.0% 22.6% 95.6% 4.4% 100% Slide 10 of 14

  13. Example: Effect of Overall GPA Option on Met-Standard Rates 69% 62% 57% 54% Level 2 and GPA of 3.5 or greater Level 2 and GPA of 2.5 or greater Level 3 & 4 Met Standard Level 2 and GPA of 3.0 or greater Slide 11 of 14

  14. Findings: Options With Higher Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates Same level of academic ability is required to perform well. Are diagnostic and provide feedback for classroom instruction. Slide 12 of 14

  15. Findings: Options With Higher Potential to Increase Met-Standard Rates Same level of academic ability is required to perform well. Are diagnostic and provide feedback for classroom instruction. Slide 12 of 14

  16. Initial Recommendations(Final Report Due December 2007) • Balance potential to increase met-standard rates with costs and ease of implementation. • Limit the number of alternative assessments. • Implement a math assessment alternative that is diagnostic. Slide 13 of 14

  17. 2007 Study Plan(Final Report Due December 2007) • Continue review of cultural appropriateness Other alternatives to be reviewed: • GED • Career skill certification • Multiple measures Slide 14 of 14

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