PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
ASSESSMENT:
NEW ENGLAND COMMON ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NECAP)
(Updated 5/1/13)

Since 2005, Vermont students have been participating in the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), a series of reading, writing, mathematics and science achievement tests, administered annually, which were developed in collaboration with the Rhode Island and New Hampshire departments of education. There are no native language versions of the NECAP assessments. The NECAP tests measure students’ academic knowledge and skills relative to the Grade Expectations for Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. Student scores are reported at four levels of academic achievement; Proficient with Distinction, Proficient, Partially Proficient and Substantially Below Proficient. Reading and math are assessed in grades 3-8 and 11, writing is assessed in grades 5, 8 and 11, and science is assessed in grades 4, 8 and 11. The reading, math and writing tests are administered each year in October. The science tests are administered in May. Use the following links to view:

• General Information & Reporting
• Assessment Results (e.g., statewide data results, school summary data results)
• Resources (Reading, Writing, Mathematics & Science)
  • Released Test Items & Support Materials
  • Practice Tests & Resource Materials
  • Administration Manuals & Workshop Materials
  • Other Resources (e.g., tip sheets, FAQs, alignment charts, etc.)
• Access Options for Students with Special Assessment Needs

2013 NECAP Science Test Administration Window
The administration window for this year’s New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Science tests is May 6 - 23, 2013. All Vermont students in grades 4, 8, and 11, including publicly funded students attending private independent schools and programs, should participate unless a student qualifies for alternate assessment or an exemption for medical reasons, family emergency, or personal crisis.

Test Administrator Manuals for Science:

• Grade 4 PDF
• Grade 8 PDF
• Grade 11 PDF

Test Coordinator Manuals for Science PDF

Advisory on Commercial Instructional Materials Using the Term NECAP
There are currently a number of test preparation materials on the market that include NECAP in the title. These items have not been authorized or reviewed by the Vermont Agency of Education. The department does not endorse any commercial products or vouch for the quality of their effectiveness. Classroom instruction that is aligned with Vermont Standards and Grade Expectations, along with activities that increase student familiarity with various testing formats, is the best way to prepare students for our state assessments. Released items and practice tests for math, science, reading and writing are available at no cost on the NECAP Resources page. For questions or information, contact Michael Hock at (802) 828-3115 or michael.hock@state.vt.us.

NECAP Assessment Results
The NECAP reading, writing, mathematics and science tests measure students’ academic knowledge and skills relative to Grade Expectations which were developed by teams of teachers from Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Reading and math are assessed in grades 3-8 and 11, writing is assessed in grades 5, 8 and 11, and science is assessed in grades 4, 8 and 11. The reading, math and writing tests are administered each year in October. The science tests are administered in May. View the most recent data reports.

NECAP Resources
Use this link for information and links to practices tests, released test items, manuals and workshop materials for reading, writing, mathematics and science, as well as other resources such as tip sheets, hundreds tables, multiplication charts, scoring guides, alignment charts, target documents, test taking strategies, unifying themes, etc.

NECAP Accommodations Guide for 2010 PDF
This booklet includes the Table of Approved NECAP Accommodations with explanations and suggestions for use, guidelines and procedures for requesting approval of unique accommodations, an accommodations planning process, and other information on how to administer the NECAP tests to students with special assessment needs.

Opportunity for schools to offer NimbleTool support for the NECAP Science Assessment in May
The NECAP states (NH, VT, and RI) have received federal funding to continue research and development work with Nimble Innovation Lab/Measured Progress. Through this project, an accessible computer-based test system (NimbleTools) will be available for those students in grades 4, 8, and 11 who have needs for access supports that can be met by using online tools to take the spring 2012 NECAP Science test which is given from May 7 through May 24. If you are interested in allowing students in your school to use NimbleTools to take the grade 4, 8, or 11 NECAP Science assessment, you must register for the 15-minute WebEx session that is required for school participation. The training sessions are scheduled for March 27th at 9am or March 28th at 2pm. Contact: Mary Ann Minardo (802) 828-5410 or maryann.minardo@state.vt.us.

• Additional Information
  Offers additional information concerning tool descriptions and orientation, school information and practice tests for 4th, 8th and 11th Graders

Demystifying Statewide Assessment for Students with Disabilities (SWDs)PDF
This presentation document provides resources and ideas for supporting the participation of SWDs in the NECAP in a more meaningful and reasonable way. NOTE: This file is 5MB.

• Demystifying Statewide Assessment for Students with Disabilities (SWDs) POWERPOINT
  NOTE: This file is 776K.

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