Maintaining the integrity of testing in the Dearborn Public Schools is vitally important in providing students with meaningful feedback and teachers with accurate data that drives instruction. The District was recently made aware of student behaviors that compromise that integrity. We are sharing the following accurate information with parents because this breach in testing security impacts many eighth grade students at several of our middle schools.
To ensure test administration accuracy so scores are valid, the District will be requiring all students who took the test last month to retake the test. This also needs to be done since this is a test that awards high school credit and math course placement. We understand that retaking this test may cause some stress and hardship and we truly regret this event occurred.
Following the 8th grade Algebra 1 “FOR CREDIT” online exam given this past month, a 4-minute 17-second video containing all of the test questions (with correct solutions) was distributed via social media. The video, that appears to be recorded in a student’s home, was available for an undetermined period of time and numerous students had access.
The District’s Assessment and Technology departments are working closely with the outside company who provides the test to conduct a thorough investigation into how someone could have accessed the online test outside of the school environment. The investigation into this unauthorized access is complex and will not be complete by the end of the school year.
To ensure test administration accuracy so scores are valid, the District will be requiring all students who took the test last month to retake the test. This also needs to be done since this is a test that awards high school credit and math course placement. We understand that retaking this test may cause some stress and hardship and we truly regret this event occurred.
- A new test has been authored by the High School Math Coordinators.
- The new Algebra 1 math assessment, administered through ilearn (a secure district platform where all users can be identified) will be given in every middle school across the district. The test will be re-administered to Bryant Algebra I students on Wednesday, June 12th from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- At least two proctors will be present and continuously circulating in the testing environment observing students complete the test.
- Cell phones, watches, earbuds, etc. are not permitted in the test room.
- Scrap paper will be collected with student names.
Any student not able to take the retest on the test date above will attend the district test out June 20th at 9 am at the district office as an alternative to prove mastery.