School might be out for summer, but the work hasn’t stopped for the independent contractor reviewing the validity of Florida’s newest -- and incredibly controversial -- Florida Standards Assessment test.
During the first administration of the new FSA standardized test, many students ran into technological glitches which left them unable to complete or even begin the test at all.
In response to growing criticisms and concerns the test might not even be an accurate way to measure student achievement, the Florida Legislature hopped on it, demanding that a third-party review the test to determine if it’s even valid.
Alpine Testing Solutions and edCount stepped up to the plate, contracting with the Florida Department of Education to complete the assessment. The two companies are entering into the final stretch of the validation process, which is set to be completed by Sept. 1.
Alpine Testing didn’t have long to dive headfirst into the study. As soon as the company received the initial FSA program documents, it launched its investigation into the ins and outs of the FSA.
August will be the final month the companies will be working on the validation. They have been paid nearly $600,000 to conduct the review.
Alpine Testing and edCount are taking a closer look at the background behind the development of the assessment test. They’ll also be reviewing specific test items, comparing them to the “best practices” used in the standardized testing industry.
The companies are well-versed in the testing industry and in the validation process. Alpine Testing most recently worked on the Florida Bar exam for the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
The companies said in their June report they had received half of the documents from the American Institutes for Research, which developed the test. edCount headed to Washington, D.C., to meet with FLDOE and AIR to review test construction and psychometric validity.
As part of the validity test, the companies met with three field groups around the state. The meetings, held in Miami, Orlando and Tallahassee, were open to all district testing coordinators.
“These meetings will provide an opportunity for district testing coordinators to provide direct feedback about their FSA experiences,” read the report.
The study also came to Tampa, for a meeting with several Florida teachers to evaluate the FSA. Alpine Testing is reviewing the scoring process and the decision for equating scores as part of the evaluation process, conducting in-person and virtual interviews with AIR and the FLDOE to review testing criteria.
The review of the FSA was generally welcomed by those who had criticized the glitch-ridden FSA, but some were concerned Alpine Testing and edCount weren’t actually independent at all.
“Smart move but group chosen has only been in biz since 2012 & has received Gates $,” wrote Florida Stop Common Core Coalition, an anti-Common Core Group which has been particularly vocal about problems with the FSA as well as the testing process.
The evaluation must be completed by Sept. 1.
“HB 7069 requires the validity study to be complete by Sept. 1, so we do anticipate it will be done by that time,” wrote FLDOE Communications Director Meghan Collins.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
