Lakeland school students – TNReady testing starts April 16th

TNReady testing starts for the Lakeland School System (LSS) April 16^th and runs through May 1^st with two additional make up days, May 2^nd and 3rd.

All testing this year, with the exception of science for grades 5-8, will be completed with paper and pencil.

Testing calendar for LSS: https://lakelandk12.org/res/pdf/LSS-Spring-Testing-Calendar-2018-19.pdf

A year ago, TNReady testing in Lakeland and other school systems was halted because of problems leading to difficulties in executing the tests.

A performance audit released in December by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury noted the online student assessment tests were plagued with numerous issues including login delays, slow servers and software bugs. The first signs of trouble began on April 16, 2018 and continued through the end of the month.

Auditors determined that many of these issues occurred primarily because of Questar Assessment, Inc’s performance and updates to the student assessment system. Auditors also found the Department of Education’s oversight of test administration fell short of expectations.

As per the Tennessee General Assembly, it was decided test results would only count if they benefited students, educators and districts.

In March of this year, the State Department of Education attempted to run two statewide verification tests ahead of the April statewide testing.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn said flu and floods impacted the verification processes. For the first attempt, too many schools were closed and on the second, the issue was flooding in many Tennessee communities and flu.

Dr. Ted Horrell, superintendent for LSS, said the System participated in both of the online verification tests requested by the State.

“My expectation for this year’s testing is that the state will provide the smooth, appropriate testing environment for our students to show what they have learned this year. When testing is consistent and fairly administered, the results can be very helpful in planning for instruction and making improvements to our overall program.”