When are students tested? 1
4th grade
5th grade
7th grade
8th grade
11th grade
12th grade
What subjects are tested? 1
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Arts & Humanities
Practical Living / Vocational Studies
What types of questions are used? 1
Multiple choice
Open written response
Examples of student work (portfolio includes "best piece" entries)
How are test results used? 1
Curriculum planning
Improvement of instruction
Program evaluation
Schools identified for assistance
School takeovers
School monetary awards
School awards or recognition
What tests are used? 1
Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (grades 4, 5, 7,
8, 11, 12)
Open response questions
Portfolio Assessment (writing; mathematics projected)
Are students with disabilities exempt? 2, 3
No students are exempt.
Some students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities may use
"alternative portfolio assessments" as determined by the IEP team.
Criteria for alternative assessment include: cognitive ability and
adaptive behavior which prevent student from completing course of study
even with allowable accommodations; extensive instruction needed for community
living; leisure/recreational and vocational activities; and an inability
to pursue a high school diploma.
Criteria for alternative assessment do not include: visual, auditory,
emotional or learning disabilities, absences, or social, cultural or economic
differences.
What accommodations are available so that students with disabilities
can participate? 2
Adaptations, modifications and accommodations available (including
use of assistive technology) provided they are consistent with instructional
strategies in IEP/504 plan and available to student in course of his/her
instructional process.
Accommodations used during instruction, as recommended by IEP team.
Adaptations that do not inappropriately impact content being measured.
Reading assessments may be read to student when the intent of reading
is to measure comprehension, only if this is normal mode as documented
in IEP or 504 plan.
How are scores of students with disabilities
reported? 2
School, district, and statewide reports combine ("aggregate") scores
of students with and without disabilities (including alternate portfolio
data).
Footnotes:
1 Source: PEER Project Survey to expand and update information from Annual Survey of State Student Assessment Programs: Data on 1995-96 Statewide Student Assessment Programs. (Fall 1996). Council of Chief State School Officers.
2 Source: PEER Project review of state policy documents. Documents provided by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO). Information confirmed and updated by the PEER Project through direct communication with state officials.
3 NOTE: The IDEA Amendments of 1997 require that all students be included in statewide assessments.
Kentucky Department of Education
Division of Exceptional Children’s Services
500 Mero Street # 805
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-4970
502-564-6721 Fax
www.kde.state.ky.us
Contact: Mike Armstrong, State Director of Special Education
Scott Trimble, State Assessment Director
Kentucky Parent Center on Disability
Family Training & Information Center
2210 Goldsmith Lane, Suite 118
Louisville, KY 40218
502-456-0923
1-800-525-7746
502-456-0893 Fax
apininc@aol.com
Contact: Paulette Logsdon