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OSSE Releases DC CAS Security Update

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
OSSE releases final results of 2010 testing violation investigation

DC CAS Security Update

Today, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released the final results of an investigation into 2010 testing violations as well as a summary of this year’s test security incidents. Each year, nearly 40,000 District students in 3,800 classrooms take the high-stakes exams.

After a rigorous analysis of DC CAS results last year, OSSE ordered an investigation into data abnormalities in 18 classrooms across both District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Public Charter Schools. In three DCPS classrooms, OSSE will invalidate test scores because the investigation found evidence or a strong suspicion of a test security violation.

“The findings confirm our belief in and support for the overwhelming number of students, teachers, and staff that work hard and play by the rules.” State Superintendent Hosanna Mahaley said.

For the 2011 DC CAS Assessment, OSSE issued tighter security guidelines and doubled the number of schools monitored by the state. As part of the increased security effort, state and local school monitors and school personnel were required to report any testing irregularities to OSSE – no matter how minor.

Today, OSSE released a summary of 31 reported irregularities – 14 of which required further action by the state education office. The 14 range in significance from a teacher standing too close to a student during the test to more serious concerns that may require OSSE to take additional action.

After the initial DC CAS results are delivered in early June, OSSE will conduct a rigorous post-exam analysis to detect abnormal data patterns that could represent potential impropriety. If serious abnormalities are found, OSSE will ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted.

By July 1, OSSE will share the DC CAS results with LEAs and ask that LEAS share the results with parents by July 15th. Final DC CAS results will be posted by August 1.