Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) Testing

"We have worked very hard to implement the shift to the new Alaska State Standards. The results from the first implementation of the new assessment are in line with trends across the country in states that have also significantly raised student expectations. AMP is only one component that is utilized in our efforts to prepare students for their future. We are proud of our progress with graduation rates, student earned industry recognized certifications, college acceptance and completion, and Jumpstart college participation. KPBSD utilizes many sources of data to help our students grow and measure progress.” –Sean Dusek, superintendent

In spring 2015, our third through tenth grade students took a new assessment called the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) for the first time. AMP replaces the Standards Based Assessments (SBA). Fewer students in Alaska scored at the “meet standards” levels in AMP than scored at the “proficient or above” levels in the SBAs. KPBSD students meet these new standards at a higher rate than their peers across the state. The AMP questions in the new standards measure higher order thinking skills and complex problem solving in contrast to recalling facts and simple processes in the old SBAs. Alaska has new standards and a new assessment, which means we have a new baseline this year. It’s important to remember:

Student achievement has not declined
What is expected of students, and measured, is different than in previous years
These first AMP results are setting a new baseline to help us understand where students stand on their path to success

Links

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, AMP webpage
State of Alaska AMP results, 2015
KPBSD District AMP results, 2015
KPBSD School AMP results, 2015
Sample English Language Arts (ELA) questions and achievement levels
Sample Math questions and achievement levels
DEED media packet for AMP news conference, November 9, 2015

We anticipate parents will receive individual student reports with English language arts and math results in December. KPBSD will mail reports from the district office. Click to open Parent Guide to AMP Results PDF.

AMP is a new assessment that measures new and more rigorous academic standards; therefore we expect a new baseline for KPBSD students, and every student in Alaska. Because of the new test and increased rigor, scores may reflect a lower number of students meeting the standards, but may give us more information about student performance. In the past, the focus was on Proficient or Not Proficient. AMP has four achievement levels that will provide educators and parents a better understanding of what students can do.

As teachers and students gain more experience in the new and much more rigorous standards, AMP scores will rise. This has been true for other states which adopt higher standards.

AMP is not a pass-fail test
AMP scores do not affect course grades, graduation, or grade retention, but students will receive focused support to improve
Some students will meet the standards and some students will partially meet the standards
The AMP test and the SBAs are not comparable because they measure different standards, have different questions, and use different scoring
Fewer students meet the new standards than used to meet the old standards; the new standards focus on higher order thinking skills and problem solving
Our students and educators work hard and are capable of meeting and exceeding the new standards

If you have questions about AMP testing, please talk to your child's teacher or school principal. Additional links are provided below.

Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) is the new Alaska assessment for students in grades 3-10. AMP replaces the Standards Based Assessments (SBA).

AMP is aligned to the State of Alaska English language arts and math standards which were adopted in 2012. Like the SBAs, students will take the AMP test to help determine their progress over the course of the year.

The AMP assessment will take place in the spring of each school year and will have two subtests, English language arts and math. Although the assessment is not timed, each subtest will take most students between 90-150 minutes.

New in 2015-2016 school year, the AMP Science test will be delivered online to students in grades four, eight, and 10.

The AMP assessment is delivered online using computers. The test is also available in a paper-pencil format for students who need a large print or braille version.

Students will test during a five-week window every spring, with individual grades testing during specific weeks. The 2016 dates will be March 29 - May 3, 2016. Attendance during the test is very important. Within this testing window, principals will craft the schedule for their building and share with their families. Please contact the school principal with questions about test dates. KPBSD 2015-2016 Assessment Calendar

Technology practice tests are available to all students to gain familiarity with the new online test format and the use of technology tools.

AMP Testlets are also available. These formative type assessments are assigned by the student's teachers as an instructional tool for teachers to monitor student's understanding of the ELA and Math standards. These short, eight to10 item non-secure assessments contain questions focused on a skill or concept in the Alaska ELA and Math standards. There are currently AMP Testlets for grades 3-high school. Alaska will continue to expand the number of AMP Testlets in the coming years

Parents are encouraged to connect with their child's teacher to learn about what classroom activities are occurring to prepare for AMP and what they can do at home to prepare for the assessment. Parents can also help by ensuring students get a good night's sleep the night before testing and eat a healthy, filling breakfast in the morning. Positive reinforcement and encouragement also helps students feel confident to test.

"Basic student information and student test scores are collected. Basic student information includes the student's name, Alaska student ID number, and specific demographic information. EED does not collect sensitive information such as physical addresses, mailing addresses, or Social Security numbers."* It is the same date that has been collected by SBAs and other state assessments since 2005.
"No data about individual students is ever given to the federal government. No data is sold to companies."*
"Individual student test data is provided to the student's school district to inform instruction. Only authorized school district staff who have a legitimate educational interest (such as the student's teacher or principal) may see a student's data."*
All data is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law protecting the privacy of student education records, and that governs student data and what can be collected and reported.

Links
KPBSD Assessments

* Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) Links: