New Assessment Vendor for 2022 to 2023¶
Publications¶
New vendor press release 10/5/22
Implementation Schedule (Subject to Change)¶
| Task | Timeframe | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Review Technical Specifications/Requirements | Fall 2022 | TestNav8 Online Support Page |
| Practice Tests Become Available | January 2023 | |
| Manuals Become Available | Prior to DA Trainings | |
| DA Trainings: Mandatory | January/February 2023 |
FAQs¶
Why did AOE go out to RFP?
The state has executed on the maximum term of the previous contract, as allowed by state procurement policy, specifically Bulletin 3.5 Procurement and Contracting Policies.
What vendor did AOE choose as a result of the RFP?
The AOE has selected Cognia as Vermont’s new Statewide Assessment vender after an open and competitive bid process. Cognia will develop and implement new statewide assessments for English Language Arts (ELA), Math and Science, beginning in the spring of 2023. The tests developed by Cognia will replace the Smarter Balanced Assessment and the Vermont Science Assessment (VTSA).
Is Vermont still part of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium?
No. The RFP resulted in procuring Cognia to both develop and implement statewide summative assessments of ELA, Math, and Science. Smarter Balanced will no longer develop our ELA and Math assessments.
When will the new contract start?
The new contract began on 10/3/2022. The new assessments will be administered during the 2022-2023 school year.
Will SUs have access to Smarter Balanced interim and benchmark assessments?
As Vermont is no longer participating in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, educators will no longer have access to any of the Smarter Balanced tools that were previously available through the Consortium. This includes Tools for Teachers and all the Smarter Balanced interim/benchmark assessments.
The AOE is in the process of providing a grant opportunity for schools to revise their assessment system in the area of benchmark assessments. Please monitor announcements from the AOE regarding this opportunity.
Will SUs still have access to the VTCAP Portal?
The VTCAP Portal will no longer provide content for SUs related to Smarter Balanced and general statewide summative assessments, as of 10/31/22. This includes Tools for Teachers, interim and benchmark assessments, practice tests, TIDE, and the reporting system. All features made available for the Vermont Alternate Assessment will remain available for the life of that contract.
Will we still have access to our data for the SBAC and Vermont Science Assessment (VTSA)?
SUs should export all data from the reporting site before the close of the Cambium contract (10/31/22). Data will no longer be available as of that date.
Where can we find resources for testing if the VTCAP Portal is no longer available for general assessments content?
SUs should visit the Knowledge Base for all general statewide assessment content. The Assessment Newsletter will be distributed monthly to DAs and Assessment Town Halls will resume in November 2022.