In spring 2020, Data Recognition Corp. (DRC) will be replacing Scantron as the permanent assessment administrator for the “Heart of Dixie” state.
Alabama testing standards aren’t changing, but the state’s assessment administrator is changing hands. The Alabama Scantron Performance Assessment Tests were designed in 2017 to replace Alabama’s ACT Aspire and ARMT exams. Scantron, however, was never meant to be a permanent assessment administrator for the state. The use of the Scantron Performance Series was a stopgap measure for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.
In July of 2018, the Alabama State Board of Education contracted with DRC to create a new summative state test as the state’s permanent assessment administrator. Similar to Scantron’s Performance Series computer-adaptive assessment and Achievement Series fixed-form assessment systems, the new assessment test by DRC will be 100% computer-based, with exceptions based on special needs.
At its foundation, nothing has changed when it comes to Alabama’s standards and mastery. Alabama uses the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), and this remains unchanged and unaffected by the Scantron to DRC changeover. USATestprep assessments and bank items remain, as always, 100% aligned to all Alabama testing standards.
Even with Scantron offering their own set of practice tests and curriculum reviews, USATestprep has remained a stronghold within the state. In a recent survey across 18 districts in the state, 94% of all teachers surveyed agreed that USATestprep increased engagement with their students, and almost 100% of Alabama USATestprep teachers agreed that the USATestprep platform improved their students’ achievement and standards mastery.
The reasons for our platform’s success is that the majority of our teachers utilize our platform on a weekly basis for projector mode questions, warm-up Bell Ringers, suggested practice/remediation assignments, printable activities, team-based projector games, and technology-enhanced performance tasks. In other words, we are used on a daily basis for far more than just test prep.
For any Alabama teacher, school, or district seeking to improve student performance on state testing under Scantron or DRC, we suggest taking USATestprep for a test drive with one of our free 14-day trials. Simply click on one of the links below to start your no-obligation, no credit card required trial.
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