Have you ever tried hiking in cushy running shoes, only to feel unsteady and unsupported on the rough terrain? It’s uncomfortable because those shoes were made for a different purpose—running, not hiking.
This idea of “purpose” is key when talking about Arkansas’s new education assessment system, the Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS). The Arkansas State Board of Education just approved the cut scores for ATLAS, and as we await the release of the first set of scores next week, you might be wondering: What makes ATLAS different from the previous ACT Aspire assessments or other tests?
What’s ATLAS?
ATLAS is more than just one test. It’s a system of assessments designed to give teachers and parents useful information about student learning throughout the year, not just at the end. Unlike a single, long test, ATLAS includes several smaller tests throughout the year that serve different purposes and happen at different times. These tests help teachers understand how aligned their lessons are with what is expected for their grade level or course. More importantly, these tests help teachers understand how well students are mastering the lessons they’re taught throughout the year and where they might need additional help to learn the content and skills at their grade level.
ATLAS was designed with input from over 4,400 Arkansas teachers, principals, and other education experts. And all of these assessments are based on the same Arkansas academic content standards that teachers use to plan their lessons.
Why It’s Important
A big change with ATLAS is how we look at test results. With ACT Aspire, students’ scores predicted their likelihood of getting a certain score on the ACT in high school. But ATLAS focuses on how well students are meeting grade-level learning goals right now.
This shift gives teachers a clearer picture of what students know and what they still need to work on, based on the specific grade-level expectations. It’s like switching from guessing how prepared you are for a future race to understanding exactly how fit you are for today’s training session.
Coming Soon: K-3 Early Learning
One of the exciting features of ATLAS is how it helps with early literacy and math skills in grades K-3. These early assessments show teachers exactly where each child is in their learning journey. If a student is struggling, teachers can step in early with the right support, so students can catch up, keep up, and soar on when ready.
Looking Ahead
The first ATLAS test scores will come out next week, and they’ll tell us how well Arkansas students in grades 3-12 are doing in key areas like reading, math, and science. These scores will place students into one of four performance levels, based on how well they’ve mastered grade-level material.
This is a big step forward for Arkansas schools, providing teachers and families with clearer, more useful information, and helping students reach their learning goals faster and more effectively.
Stay tuned to OEP for more information about ATLAS and how to use the new scores! Here’s a preview!
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