Update on ACE II Task Force Work

The ACE II Task Force met at the capitol on 11-28-07 to consider a presentation by Vicki Dimock, PhD, SEDL in Austin, TX.

Dr. Dimock addressed each of the following issues that were set forth in Senate Bill 921 for the group to study and make recommendations:

1. A comparison of PASS with other states' curriculuar standards, primarily states that score highest on NAEP.
2. Alignment of PASS with the NAEP standards.
3. Feasibility of realigning the state performance level standards to NAEP performance level standards.
4. Differences in achievement levels among states based on exclusion rates on NAEP.
5. Feasibility of aligning the cut scores on state-mandated tests to NAEP cut scores.

There was general discussion among task force members as to which of the PASS objectives NAEP covers. Differences between NAEP and the EOIs were also pointed out (e.g., NAEP - uses sampling technology, a sample of students, each of whom takes only one part of the test, which is timed. EOI - all students taking the course required to take assessment, which is untimed.).

The ACE II Task Force will have its final meeting on 12-19-07 to vote on recommendations which are due to the legislature by 12-31-07. Check with Kim Montgomery of the State Senate staff to see if "draft" recommendations are available before that date.