NCLB State Assessment Systems 3

Question 1

Under NCLB, what was the ultimate proficiency target all students were expected to reach by the 2013–2014 school year?

Accepted Answer

100% proficiency in reading and math

Answer

NCLB set a goal of 100% student proficiency in reading and mathematics by the end of the 2013–2014 school year.

Question 2

What flexibility did NCLB grant states regarding the definition of 'proficient' on state assessments?

Accepted Answer

States could define their own proficiency standards and cut scores

Answer

Each state defined its own proficiency standards and cut scores, leading to wide variation in difficulty across states.

Question 3

Which federal assessment was used as an external benchmark to compare rigor of state assessments under NCLB?

Accepted Answer

NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)

Answer

NAEP served as the Nation's Report Card and allowed comparisons of state proficiency rates against a common national standard.

Question 4

Under the 'safe harbor' provision in NCLB, a subgroup could meet AYP even if it missed the proficiency target if it met which condition?

Accepted Answer

Reduced the percentage of non-proficient students by at least 10% from the prior year

Answer

Safe harbor allowed a subgroup to make AYP if it reduced its percentage of non-proficient students by 10% and met the 95% participation rate.

Question 5

What was the NCLB requirement regarding student participation rates in state assessments?

Accepted Answer

At least 95% of each subgroup must participate

Answer

NCLB required at least 95% of each subgroup to participate in state assessments for a school to make AYP.

NCLB - No Child Left Behind Act Practice Test