Released November 14, 2019, the November newsletter featured topics on:
An archived version of this email newsletter is available here.
Released September 10, 2019, the September newsletter featured topics on:
An archived version of this email newsletter is available here.
The Assessment Services Team at CETE has begun the process of developing the calendar for the item-writing workshops in the 2019-2020 school year. These item-writing workshops are designed to create new test items in specified subjects which become newly developed exams delivered to CTE students using WebXam, the online testing portal used by CTE educators. These workshops and WebXam technical support are conducted in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).
For the 2019-2020 school year, the Assessment Services team will host item-writing workshops for test development by subject-matter experts (SMEs) in the career field of Construction Technology to develop item banks for about 30 courses across 3 different pathways.
Participation by subject-matter experts (SMEs) is the most important element of test development and delivery. New test items do not get written without the knowledge, expertise, and participation of SMEs – thus our motto, “SMEs are KEY”! If you are in the Construction Technology career field, please reach out to cete-recruiting@osu.edu for more information, or visit http://go.osu.edu/item-writing.
During test development cycle, the SMEs participate in the following way:
Subject-matter experts are essential to the test development process and are the key to the development of quality tests and student success. When you attend an item-writing workshop, you are also provided an opportunity to network with other teachers, earn professional development certificates, and learn quality item-writing skills. Subject-matter experts who attend are also reimbursed (either personally or your school) for hotel and dinner the night(s) before the workshops (applicable if you’re outside a 60-mile radius), and your school is also reimbursed for the cost of your substitute. We also provide lunch while you are here.
To provide our subject-matter experts valid and verified evidence that participation in this process is an element of their professional development, the test-item development process the Assessment Services Team conducts is established by the occupational knowledge-skill assessment sector and statewide CTE programs, backed by data and well researched. Many team members are also active members of either the Association of Test Publishers or the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, to lend credence to the delivery of professional development certification or credentials. Much like continuing education is important to teachers, the CETE Assessment Services Team continuously apply and hone their knowledge and skills in the occupational and educational test-development arena.
Released August 12, 2019, the August newsletter featured topics on:
An archived version of this email newsletter is available here.
Welcome back to the 2019-2020 school year, teachers and administrators. The WebXam support team want to provide you with two important testing reminders:
If you have any questions, please contact us. Have a great year!
The WebXam support staff and Assessment Services Team wrapped up another great item-writing year in June. Be sure to check out all the stats regarding test delivery, item-writing, recruitment, and more with our 2018-19 infographic. We look forward to another successful item-writing year in 2019-2020.
The WebXam Upload Template has changed for the 2019-20 School Year. It can be downloaded at https://www.webxam.org/Content/OCTCA_upload_FY2020.xlsx. There is new column that can optionally completed for the student’s expected graduation year. The purpose of the column is to facilitate better cohort tracking for teachers and administrators.
Released May 8, 2019, the May newsletter featured topics on:
An archived version of this email newsletter is available here.
The Ohio Department of Education has sent the following important communication:
Due to a number of districts not participating in the WebXam testing window for the Information Technology career field, we are making an exception this year and reopening the testing window on Monday, May 6 and closing on Friday, May 31. Students taking the Information Technology end of course exam will be tested on the final forms, which contain only 40 questions.
For information on testing windows and deadlines, please refer to the WebXam Newsletter, Assessments on the Ohio Department of Education website, and the WebXam website. It is beneficial for teachers and administrators to review this material at the start of each school year to ensure that all students participate during the WebXam testing windows. If you have further questions about the WebXam or testing windows, you can refer to the materials listed above or contact the WebXam office at WebXam@osu.edu or (614) 292-4988.
Please share this communication with your associate schools so they can take advantage of this revised testing window.
Any tests that are saved as “in progress” MUST be restarted to maintain test security.
Released April 16, 2019, the April newsletter featured topics on:
An archived version of this email newsletter is available here.