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from the previous RFP . This time the state has decided to release a new RFP to identify the assessment vendor or vendors that can successfully administer the state test in 2019- 20 and beyond . Part of the current contract is that Tennessee owns all test items , so they can retain adn transfer these previously vetted questions to a new vendor .
Revised Timeline for Online
Tennessee is one of less than 10 states that still has a paper test in middle school - and both state and district leaders recognize that the workforce of the 21st century is increasingly online . Every student deserves to have a positive testing experience . In order to maximize the ability to have a seamless online administration going forward , the state is adjusting the timeline to continue the transition to online but at a modified pace . Accordingly , or 2018-19 :
• Students in high school and those taking end-of-course exams will continue to test online .
• Students in grades 6-8 will take TNReady on paper for math , English , and social studies .
• Students in grades 3-5 will take TNReady on paper for math and English . Due to upcoming changes in social studies standards for these grades , this means there will not be a state social studies test in grades 3-5 next year .
• Students in grades 3-4 will take their TNReady science test on paper , and students in grades 5-8 will take their science test online . Science is a field test in 2018-19 because the state is transitioning to new academic standards ; therefore , the results will not count for students , teachers , or schools , nor will any public scores be released . This provides an option for all students to experience the online platform and do so in an environment that is low-risk for them .
Improved Paper Test Administration
In addition to having Tennessee teachers review all test questions , scripts , and test forms , the department is streamlining test logistics to have fewer versions of the test distributed across the state . This makes it much easier on testing coordinators and proctors to administer . The state has also combined the answer document and test questions into one test booklet in lower grades so it is easier for students to take the test .
Task Force Recommendations
In 2017 , Commissioner McQueen convened the state ’ s third Task Force on Student Testing and Assessment to further study and develop best practice recommendations . The first set of recommendations from the task force were ways to reduce student testing in 2018-2019 , and included the elimination of the Chemistry and English III EOC exams . Instead , the department will provide an optional chemistry test form to districts , and will prioritize adding a statewide dual credit English composition option in 2019-20 . They will also continue working with the TN Board of Regents to allow students to earn college credit from their score on TNReady as they would on a dual credit exam in areas where standards and content overlaps , such as on the U . S . History exam .
The task force also made recommendations aimed at reducing the overall length of time students in earlier grades spend on testing . The stand-alone field test , previously administered to about one-third of students each year , will not be administered in any grade for the next two years . Instead , field test questions will be included within the regular assessments in order to provide the department with information to help develop future assessments . In addition , time will be reduced by a combined 78 minutes for the TNReady English language arts exam in grades 3 and 4 .