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Spring 2021 Assessment Update

On March 25, the department released Administrative Memo CCR-21-005, concerning the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and statewide assessments during the spring of 2021.

Some highlights include:

  • The extension of the state testing window for both MAP Grade-Level, End-of-Course and MAP-A Assessments to June 15, 2021. This extension does not apply to WIDA ACCESS, window closes on April 2, 2021.
  • The removal of the 7-business day window for content areas for End-of-Course.
  • A change in the target participation of rate of assessments from 95% to 85%.
  • The addition of a application-only fall test window for districts who fail to meet the 85% participation rate this spring. This fall window will only be for MAP Grade-Level and EOC. It does not apply for MAP-A or WIDA ACCESS. More information on this application process will be forthcoming.

In addition to the memo, the department has created an FAQ document to help answer some accountability questions. Also, a best practices guide for both MAP Grade-Level and End-of-Course are available for district use in preparing for spring testing.

If you have questions about accountability, please contact MSIP@dese.mo.gov or call 573-751-4426 or 573-751-4104. For questions about assessment administration, please contact assessment@dese.mo.gov or 573-751-3545.

The Assessment section provides professional services related to the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

The Assessment Section manages test development, on-going test maintenance, and oversees the test administration for four statewide, large-scale assessments. The MAP assessments test students’ progress toward mastery of the Missouri Show-Me Standards.

For more information, please see the Guide To The Missouri Assessment Program.

The following list includes updates to assessment documents, communications from DESE Assessment to District Test Coordinators (DTC) and the release of Administrative Memos concerning the Missouri Assessment Program.

February 2021 - May 2021

February 2021 - May 2021
    October 2020 - January 2021

    October 2020 - January 2021

    June 2020 - September 2020

    June 2020 - September 2020

    February 2020 - May 2020

    February 2020 - May 2020

    In March, Missouri canceled required statewide assessments for the remainder of SY 2019-2020; this includes Grade-Level, End-of-Course and Alternate assessments. Refer to the DESE-related COVID-19 webpage for links to useful information. DESE officials have examined the impact of canceling spring 2020 testing, specifically on local education agencies and 2020 graduating seniors. Read the new information here.

    October 2019 - January 2020

    October 2019 - January 2020

    June 2019 - September 2019

    June 2019 - September 2019

    • 09/23/19 - All manuals, guides and resources for MAP-A testing have been updated on the MAP-A page.
    • 09/16/19 - Volume 9, Number 2 of the MAP-A Update newsletter sent out.
    • 08/12/19 - Volume 9, Number 1 of the MAP-A Update newsletter sent out.
    February 2019 - May 2019

    February 2019 - May 2019

    October 2018 - January 2019

    October 2018 - January 2019

    Assessment Performance Level Meeting Information
    June - September 2018

    June - September 2018

    • 9/4/18 - An administrative memo was sent to districts regarding the Process for Establishing Achievement Levels for Grade-Level and EOC Assessments.
    • 8/3/18 - An email was sent to DTC's regarding 2018 Data and APR.
    • 9/28/18 - The following files have been updated for the 2018-2019 academic year: Blueprints, Tools and Accommodations, Timing Guidelines, Parent/Guardian Sample Letter
    • 9/4/18 - An administrative memo was sent to districts regarding the Process for Establishing Achievement Levels for Grade-Level and EOC Assessments
    • 8/3/18 - An email was sent to DTC's regarding 2018 Data and APR.
    February - May 2018
    • 5/17/18 - An Administrative Memo was sent to districts regarding Tentative Data Release Dates and Appeals Process
    • 2/16/18 - The Tools and Accommodations document has been updated to clarify instructions on marking Read Aloud in Native Language.
    October 2017 - January 2018
    • 12/6/17 - Training PPT #1 has been updated and Training PPT #9 has been uploaded. Answer keys for ELA and Math EOC Pre-Tests have been updated.
    • 11/20/17 - An updated version of the Test Coordinator's Manual has been posted. (Removed 4/5/19)
    • 11/14/17 - Administrative Memo CCR-17-010 - 2017-18 Grade-Level and End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments posted.
    • 11/14/17 - Administrative Memo CCR-17-009 - 2017-18 Grade-Level and End-of-Course Assessment Content and Timing Estimates posted.
    • 10/30/17 - The LEA Guide To The Missouri Assessment Program has been updated for the 2017-2018 academic year.
    • 10/6/17 - An update memo regarding End-of-Course assessments was sent out.
    • 10/5/17 - The End-of-Course page was updated including: Updating the calendar of dates, the Test Administration Manual, DESE EOC Trainings and Practice Forms for Government and American History.
    • 10/2/17 - Administrative Memo LS-17-002, with information regarding Spring 2017 Algebra I and English II was sent out.
    June - September 2017

    June - September 2017

    • 9/15/17 - Updated Tools and Accommodations document for the 2017-2018 administration has been posted.
    • 9/12/17 - The MAP Grade-Level Test Blueprints for the 2017-2018 administration have been posted.
    • 8/7/17 - DESE sent a memo to DTCs - DTC Update.
    • 7/5/17 - Available State Assessment Windows for 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years have been updated.
    • 8/28/17 - Volume 7, Number 3 of the MAP-A Update newsletter sent out.
    • 8/7/17 - Volume 7, Number 2 of the MAP-A Update newsletter sent out.
    • 7/17/17 - Volume 7, Number 1 of the MAP-A Update newsletter sent out.
    • 7/5/17 - Available State Assessment Windows for 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years have been updated.
    • 9/29/17 - DRC sent three memos out regarding WIDA-AMS.us Logins, Materials Ordering and Technology Resources.
    • 8/2/17 - The ELL Screening Process Guide has been posted. (Removed 4/5/19)
    • 7/5/17 - Available State Assessment Windows for 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years have been updated.
    February - May 2017

    February - May 2017

    • 5/23/17 - Administrative Memo - Administration of Summer End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment posted.
    • 2/16/17 - The Raw To Scale Score Conversion Chart has been updated through the Spring 2017 administration.
    • 2/9/17 - The LEA Guide To The Missouri Assessment Program has updated to Version 2.
    October 2016 - January 2017

    October 2016 - January 2017

    • 1/19/17 - The Spring 2017 Self-Monitoring Quality Assurance Form is now available. (Link removed 4/5/19)
    • 10/20/16 - The Raw To Scale Score Conversion Chart has been updated through the Fall 2016 administration.
    • 10/6/16 - DESE sent a memo to DTCs - ACCESS for ELLs Updates.
    • 10/6/16 - The LEA Guide To English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessments has been posted.
    • 10/6/16 - A one page Quick Reference Guide to ACCESS 2.0 has been posted.
    • 10/6/16 - The ACCESS for ELLs page and calendar have been updated for the 2016-2017 administration.
    June - September 2016

    June - September 2016

    • 9/30/16 - The Test Administration Manual has been updated for the 2016-2017 administration.
    • 9/30/16 - The DESE required webinar trainings for the 2016-2017 administration have been posted.
    • 9/30/16 - The EOC Tools and Accommodations document has been updated for the 2016-2017 administration.
    • 9/30/16 - The EOC Test Blueprints for the 2016-2017 administration have been posted.
    • 9/30/16 - The End-of-Course page and calendar have been updated for the 2016-2017 administration.
    • No Updates During This Time Period
     

    Assessment Resources

    Missouri Assessment Program

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    Additional Resources
     

    Statewide Testing Windows

    Assessment Event 2020-2021
    MAP Grade-Level Assessment Spring Summative 4/5/21 - 5/28/21
    End-of-Course Summer Summative 6/8/20 - 7/31/20
    Fall Summative 10/26/20 - 1/22/21
    Spring Summative 3/1/21 - 5/28/21
    MAP-Alternate (MAP-A) Required Instructionally Embedded Assessments Fall Window (Optional for Science) 9/14/20 - 12/18/20
    Required Instructionally Embedded Assessments Spring Window 2/1/21 - 5/21/21
    ACCESS for ELLs English Language Proficiency 1/11/21 - 4/2/21
    MO LEAP Grade-Level (Grades 4-9) 8/24/20 - 10/9/20
    MO LEAP End-Of-Course 8/31/20 - 9/25/20

    In 2014 Missouri legislators passed House Bill 1490, mandating the development of the Missouri Learning Expectations. In April of 2016, these Missouri Learning Expectations were adopted by the State Board of Education. Groups of Missouri educators from across the state collaborated to create the documents necessary to support the implementation of these expectations.

    One of the documents developed is the item specification document, which includes all Missouri grade level/course expectations arranged by domains/strands. It defines what could be measured on a variety of assessments. The document serves as the foundation of the assessment development process.

    Although teachers may use this document to provide clarity to the expectations, these specifications are intended for summative, benchmark, and large‐scale assessment purposes.

    Components of the item specifications include:

    • Expectation Unwrapped breaks down a list of clearly delineated content and skills the students are expected to know and be able to do upon mastery of the Expectation.
    • Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Ceiling indicates the highest level of cognitive complexity that would typically be assessed on a large scale assessment. The DOK ceiling is not intended to limit the complexity one might reach in classroom instruction.
    • Item Format indicates the types of items used in large scale assessment. For each expectation, the item format specifies the type best suited for that particular expectation.
    • Content Limits/Assessment Boundaries are parameters that item writers should consider when developing a large scale assessment. For example, some expectations should not be assessed on a large scale assessment but are better suited for local assessment.
    • Sample stems are examples that address the specific elements of each expectation and address varying DOK levels. The sample stems provided in this document are in no way intended to limit the depth and breadth of possible item stems. The expectation should be assessed in a variety of ways.
    • Text Types suggests a broad list of text types for both literary and informational expectations. This list is not intended to be all inclusive: other text types may be used in the classroom setting. The expectations were written in grade level bands; for this reason, the progression of the expectations relies upon increasing levels of quantitative and qualitative text complexities. (English Language Arts Only)
    • Calculator Designation indicates whether a calculator will be available for test questions written to a particular expectations on the large-scale assessment. (Mathematics Only)
    • Stimulus Materials defines types of stimulus materials that can be used in the item stems. (Science and Social Studies Only)
    • Possible Evidence indicates observable methods in which a student can show understanding of the expectations. (Science Only)

     

    English Language Arts
    Mathematics
    Science
    Social Studies

    *Updated 5.30.18

    Assessment Calendar

    Assessment Dates Event
    EOC June 1, 2020 to July 24, 2020 EOC Summer 2020 Accommodated Materials Ordering Window
    EOC June 8, 2020 to July 31, 2020 EOC Summer 2020 Testing Window
    MAP-A September 14, 2020 to December 18, 2020 MAP-A Fall 2020 Required Instructionally Embedded Window
    ACCESS for ELLs September 28, 2020 to November 5, 2020 ACCESS Test Materials Ordering
    EOC DUE September 30, 2020 EOC Fall 2020-2021 - First Pre-Code Due - Students In System 10/12/20 - Students May Start Testing 10/26/20
    EOC October 5, 2020 to January 15, 2021 EOC Fall 2020-2021 Accommodated Materials Ordering Window
    EOC October 19, 2020 EOC Practice Test Opens
    EOC October 26, 2020 to January 22, 2021 EOC Fall 2020 Testing Window
    ACCESS for ELLs DUE October 29, 2020 ACCESS Pre-Code DUE To DESE
    ACCESS for ELLs November 9, 2020 to March 26, 2021 ACCESS Test Setup Available
    EOC DUE November 12, 2020 EOC Fall 2020-2021 - Final Pre-Code Due - Students In System And May Start Testing 11/30/20
    ACCESS for ELLs December 7, 2020 ACCESS Materials Arrive In Districts
    ACCESS for ELLs December 7, 2020 to March 26, 2021 ACCESS Additional Test Materials Ordering
    ACCESS for ELLs January 11, 2021 to April 2, 2021 ACCESS 2021 Testing Window
    Grade-Level DUE January 29, 2021 MAP Grade-Level First Pre-Code DUE - Students in system 2/22/21
    MAP-A February 1, 2021 to May 21, 2021 MAP-A Spring 2021 Required Instructionally Embedded Window
    EOC DUE February 10, 2021 EOC Spring 2021 - First Pre-Code Due - Students In System 2/22/21 - Students May Start Testing 3/1/21
    EOC February 22, 2021 to May 21, 2021 EOC Spring 2021 Accommodated Materials Ordering Window
    Grade-Level DUE February 26, 2021 MAP Grade-Level Second Pre-Code DUE - Students in system 3/8/21
    EOC March 1, 2021 to June 15, 2021 EOC Spring 2021 Window
    Grade-Level DUE March 12, 2021 MAP Grade-Level Third Pre-Code DUE - Students in system 3/22/21
    EOC DUE March 17, 2021 EOC Spring 2021 - Second Pre-Code Due - Students In System And May Start Testing 4/5/21
    Grade-Level April 5, 2021 to June 15, 2021 MAP Grade-Level Spring Testing Window
    EOC DUE April 7, 2021 EOC Spring 2021 - Final Pre-Code Due - Students In System And May Start Testing 4/21/21
    ACCESS for ELLs DUE April 9, 2021 ACCESS Deadline To Ship Materials To DRC
    ACCESS for ELLs May 4, 2021 to May 11, 2021 ACCESS Pre-Reporting Data Validation
    ACCESS for ELLs June 14, 2021 ACCESS Districts Receive Individual Student Reports (ISR)
    ACCESS for ELLs June 14, 2021 to June 18, 2021 ACCESS Post-Reporting Data Validation
    ACCESS for ELLs July 2, 2021 ACCESS Districts Receive Final Data
    MAP-A September 13, 2021 to December 17, 2021 MAP-A Fall 2021 Required Instructionally Embedded Window
    MAP-A February 7, 2022 to June 15, 2022 MAP-A Spring 2022 Required Instructionally Embedded Window

    Peer Review Status

    All states' assessment systems are submitted to the United States Department of Education for Peer Review to document that they meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The current Peer Review status of all components of the Missouri Assessment Program is as follows:

    Assessment Status
    Grades 3 - 8 English Language Arts and Mathematics Full Approval
    Grades 5 and 8 Science Full Approval
    Algebra I, Biology, and English II Full Approval
    MAP-A: ELA, Math, and Science (Based On Alternate Achievement Standards) Full Approval