NSCAS Accountability 5

Question 1

What is the primary goal of school improvement plans required for Nebraska schools identified under ESSA?

Accepted Answer

To implement evidence-based strategies that improve student academic outcomes

Answer

School improvement plans must focus on evidence-based interventions and strategies designed to improve student achievement and close performance gaps.

Question 2

Which grade band is NOT assessed by the NSCAS General Summative assessments in English Language Arts and Math?

Accepted Answer

Grades 9–10

Answer

NSCAS General Summative assessments are administered in grades 3–8 and grade 11, not grades 9–10.

Question 3

How does Nebraska's accountability system treat English Learner (EL) students who are in their first year in U.S. schools?

Accepted Answer

They may be exempt from the ELA assessment in their first year but still count toward participation

Answer

First-year EL students may be exempt from ELA assessments under ESSA, but they must still be counted in the participation rate calculation.

Question 4

What does the 'Four-Year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate' measure in Nebraska's accountability system?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of students who graduate with a regular diploma within four years of entering high school

Answer

The four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate tracks the percentage of students in a cohort who earn a regular diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

Question 5

Under Nebraska's accountability system, which of the following best describes 'evidence-based interventions' required for low-performing schools?

Accepted Answer

Programs and practices with peer-reviewed research demonstrating effectiveness

Answer

ESSA requires interventions to be evidence-based, meaning supported by peer-reviewed research or strong empirical evidence of effectiveness.

(NSCAS) Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System Practice Test

(NSCAS) Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System Practice Test

NSCAS Accountability 5