WV Alignment with NAEP

 

Where We Were…
     Where We Are…
            Where We Will Be!!!

Where We Were …

After NAEP results were released for 2005 reading and mathematics, West Virginia began a significant review of student achievement expectations.  The goal of this review was to determine the changes need to establish a world-class educational system for West Virginia students.  Because the state assessment is aligned to the Content Standards and Objectives (CSOs), the CSOs determine the direction of professional development efforts and most of the work the Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services. Therefore, it is only logical that the CSOs were the initial focus of the revision work.   Additionally, the release of the 2003 and 2005 state mapping studies comparing NAEP and the state assessment program (WESTEST) confirmed the urgency of the work.  The revision of the CSOs increased the academic expectation in both rigor and relevance.  This increase in rigor and relevance as well as the addition of 21st century skills was so drastic that a transition period was suggested.  Districts were encouraged to beginning planning for the the implementation of the revised 21st Century CSOs.

Where We Are…

How were the 21st Century CSOs reviewed?  Between the approval date and the effective date, the 21st Century CSOs underwent many alignment studies to assure alignment with NAEP, ACT, TIMSS, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and others.  Additionally, each objective underwent a depth of knowledge review by Dr. Norman Webb.  These depths of knowledge help to determine the expected rigor of each objective. 
What happens to the state assessment?  After the CSOs were approved by WVBE and depths of knowledge determined, work began on the development of a new assessment aligned to the 21st Century CSOs (WESTEST 2).  Many of the WESTEST 2 items were developed by West Virginia teachers.  The teachers were given the objectives and asked to write items specifically to each objective.  See the WESTEST 2 website for additional information on development. 
Is there sustainability?  The increase in the rigor of the expectations has been endorsed by the West Virginia Legislature in the form of West Virginia Code §18-1-4:  Vision 2020: An Education Blueprint for Two Thousand Twenty.

Where We Will Be

As indicated in Vision 2020: An Education Blueprint for Two Thousand Twenty, the following goals will be the focus of the West Virginia Department of Education.

  1. The academic achievement according to national and international measures will exceed national and international averages.
  2. The public education system will prepare fully all students for post-secondary education or gainful employment.
  3. All working-age adults will be functionally literate.
  4. The public education system will maintain and promote the health and safety of all students and will develop and promote responsibility, citizenship and strong character in all students.
  5. The public education system will provide equitable education opportunity for all students including:
    1. Rigorous 21st century curriculum and engaging instruction for all students;
    2. 21st century accountability and accreditation system;
    3. Statewide balanced assessment process;
    4. Personnel allocation, licensure and funding process that aligns with the needs of 21st century school systems and is supported by a quality coordinated professional development delivery system;
    5. Equitable access to 21st century technology and education resources and school facilities conducive to 21st century teaching and learning;
    6. Aligned public school with post-secondary and workplace readiness programs and standards; and
    7. Universal pre-kindergarten system.
A summary of this evolution of the educational system was provided to the NAEP 2009 field staff at the biannual appreciation luncheon.  The Big Picture of the 21st Century Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment development is graphically displayed on the Teach 21 website.