Using Pre- and Posttesting To Improve Programming and Student Achievement

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Using Pre- and Posttesting To Improve Programming
and Student Achievement Anju Sidana
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Objectives

• Gain a better understanding of
• Part D requirements around and uses of pre-post
  testing
• How to properly administer pre-post tests
• How to do more with pre-post testing in your
  State
• Some common challenges States face in relation to
  pre-post testing
• Assess the status of pre-post testing in your
  State and think through next steps for reaching
  your goals (activity)
• Learn where to go for more information about
  pre-post testing

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What Exactly Does Pre- and Posttesting Refer To?

• The practice of testing students using academic
  achievement teststhat are intended to measure
  students academic progress between the
  beginning and end of a program or period of
  instruction.

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When Should Pre- and Posttests Be Administered?

• Pretests Shortly after the student enters the
  facility
• Posttests Upon exit from the facility or at
  regularly scheduled intervals (such as every 90
  days)
• Frequency is limited by
• the number of unique versions of the posttest
• the amount of time needed between tests to
  demonstrate measurable progress

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Part D and Federal Requirements

• Title I, Part D, Section 1431 requires that all
  States measure the academic progress of students
  served by Part D dollars.
• Tables 2.4.1.6/2.4.2.6 of the CSPR (Academic
  Performance in Reading and Mathematics) require
  States to report pre- and posttest results in
  reading and math for students enrolled 90
  consecutive days or longer (long-term students).
• Section 200.2 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal
  Regulations states that Each State, in
  consultation with its LEAs, must implement a
  system of high-quality, yearly student academic
  assessments that includes, at a minimum, academic
  assessments in mathematics and
  reading/language

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Other Reasons To Pre- and Posttest (1)

• For students
• Allows for accurate placement
• Allows students to see and track their own
  progress
• For teachers
• Allows teachers to track progress, catch problems
  early, and tailor instruction to individual
  student needs
• For program managers and education directors
• Allows aggregated data to be used for program
  evaluation and improvement
• Allows for identification of effective/ineffective
  programs and direction of resources

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Other Reasons To Pre- and Posttest (2)

• For State administrators
• Helps to identify model programs / struggling
  programs
• Captures data on students that may be missed by
  State assessments
• Affords an opportunity to share powerful
  education information with stakeholders
• Facilitates accurate and efficient collecting and
  reporting of N or D data at the State level

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Is Pre- and Posttesting Being Done Properly in My
State?

• Are your programs using tests appropriately?
• Ensure that your States are...
• using tests intended to be administered as pre-
  and posttests
• administering the tests at the appropriate
  intervals to measure progress
• using tests designed specifically for the subject
  matter being tested
• using tests that are appropriate for the
  population to whom they are administered

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Is Pre- and Posttesting Being Done Properly in My
State?

• Are your programs pre- and posttesting the
  appropriate students?
• Testing AT LEAST all students that have a length
  of stay in the facility for 90 days or longer
  (long-term students)
• Testing all long-term students in AT LEAST
  reading and math

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How Can I Do More?

• Implement a common pre- and posttest
• Ensure proper transfer and credit of testing
  information during transition
• Assess more students than required
• Think about your end goals to determine first
  steps

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Resources for More Information

• Visit the NDTAC Data Corner at www.neglected-delin
  quent.com to find
• A Brief Guide for Selecting and Using Pre-Post
  AssessmentsProvides basic information about the
  ideal characteristics of a pre-post test and
  highlights important features to consider when
  requesting and evaluating information from test
  publishers.
• A Look at Legislation Common Pre-Post
  AssessmentsDiscusses States that have mandated
  the use of a common or pre-approved pre-post
  assessment test for Title I, Part D, facilities
  and programs.

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Resources for More Information (2)

• Visit the NDTAC Data Corner at
  www.neglected-delinquent.com to find
• Common Assessments in Neglected or Delinquent (N
  or D) ProgramsLists pre-post tests and
  assessments used in neglected or delinquent
  programs across the country (compiled 2005). 
• The NDTAC Assessment Toolkit Measuring Student
  Academic PerformanceDesigned to help State
  administrators and local program managers track
  and improve their academic assessment procedures
  and results for students who are neglected or
  delinquent.

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Activity

• Assess the status of pre- and posttesting in your
  State and identify next steps