Following is the story of a Mother of a 3rd grade student in Washington State. This is her saga of trying to get the SBAC (Common Core) testing results of her son. She wants to see the questions and his answers and has gotten a complete run-around. Read the story for yourself and let us know what you think.How can we trust OSPI and the education system when they can’t do such a simple thing? Do they have something to hide?
Perhaps reach out to your school district and ask for the same and let us know what your experience is?
My son took the SBAC test in May and June of 2015 as a 3rd grader. We received the results in the mail at the end of September 2015 but I wanted to see the actual test with his answers (I believe it is called The Score Response Summary). I looked on the OSPI website to find the information to request a copy of the test but found nothing.
On September 28, 2015 I emailed Randy Dorn the Washington State Superintendent at superintendent@k12.wa.us and said “I have received my child’s test results for the smarter balance tests. I was wondering if there was a way for me to see my child’s test?”. The OSPI assessment operation team emailed me back the same day saying, “The process for viewing your child’s test is currently being updated. Your local district assessment coordinator will receive an update when this process has been finalized. We will also send you an email when this process has been finalized.”
On October 19th, 2015 I sent another email to the assessment operations team as well as Kimberly DeRoussie (the state test coordinator) since that is who responded to my first email. “Am I able to get a copy of my child’s test yet? If not when will that be available?” The response on October 21st was “Thank you for your patience. We anticipate that the process will be finalized within the next month. We will be sending an update to your email when the process is available.”
On November 23, 2015 I sent an email stating “I am wondering if I am able to get a copy of my child’s test yet?” and received the response on November 24th of “Sorry for the delay. The process for the review has not been completed. We do have your contact information and will let you know as soon as the process is complete.”
January 11, 2016 I again reached out to OSPI and said “I realize that you have told me that you would get a hold of me when I am able to see a copy of my sons test but it’s been so long since he took it so its hard for me to not follow up. I want to see the test results before he takes the test for this year. If it can not be done the way you guys are trying to make it happen is there any other way that I can see his test? I don’t mean to be annoying about it, it just seems a little ridiculous that he took the test over 6 months ago and I am still not able to see his test” I can not find that they responded.
On January 19, 2016 I spoke with our schools district assessment coordinator. Since I was told that the test would eventually go to him I wanted to find out if he had any information on when or how it would be available. He did not know when it would be available or even how it would work. He was told that he would get some portal on his computer so that when I (or anyone else) came in, OSPI would send something to him so that he could then show me. However he said he hadn’t received any type of instruction on how the process would work or any information on what to do.
On January 21, 2016 I emailed this to the state superintendent as well as his executive assistant Roni Petit. “I have a son that is in the 4th grade. Last year he took the SBAC test as a 3rd grader and I was told that I could get a copy of the test if I requested it. I have been trying to get a copy of the test for 4 months now. I have now come to the conclusion that me being told that I can get a copy of his test is inaccurate information. Maybe it is the intention to one day be able to give parents a copy of their child’s test to review but as of right now you can not view their test in any way. I would like information on why I can’t see my child’s test.” My email was forwarded to Kimberly DeRoussie who responded on February 2nd with “Due to the switch from the paper pencil testing platform, to the online testing platform, the request to view process has not yet been finalized. There have been technical delays in ensuring test security for student information. In an effort to ensure that all student information remains secure, this process has been delayed. We are working hard to finalize this process with the new vendor. We take all parental requests to view their child’s test seriously and want to assure you that we have your information and will be making contact as soon as the process is complete.”
On January 21st before I had received a response to the above email I called the assessments Operation team and left a message. I also called Randy Dorn who’s assistant transferred me to the assessments operation team. I received a phone call back but unfortunately was not available so Diane left me a message stating that my name was on a list. There was a set back and in order to ensure my sons test security they can not release the test at this time. They have to meet federal requirements with security so they do not let people see the test who should not. She said my name is on the list and they will email me as soon as it is available. It is taking longer than they expected but they are trying very hard to get me the information that I want.
February 23, 2016 I emailed Senator Pam Roach with a CC to Drew Stokesbary and Christopher Hurst. I explained how long I have been trying to get a copy of this test and what OSPI has been telling me. I asked for help or advice on what I could do or if they could help in any way. As of April 9th I have not received a response.
March 3, 2016 I called Randy Dorn and spoke with his assistant Roni Petit. I told her how long I have been trying to get this information and she said she would walk strait down to the assessment operations team and then have someone call me or call me back herself. I received no phone call so I called her back and she stated it would be Christopher the director of assessments operation would be calling me.
March 4, 2016 Since I didn’t receive a phone call from him I called him myself, left a message as well as emailed him “I just left you a message but thought I would email you as well. I am trying to get a copy of my sons SBAC test that he look 9-10 months ago. I realize that there have been some unforeseen circumstances that have made it more difficult for me to see the test. I have been patient for 5 months now and I really don’t want to keep waiting. If I can not get a copy of the test the original way is there alternative way? I am willing to drive to OSPI’s office and bring proper identification if needed. Please give me call so that I can discuss this matter with you. Thank you for your time.” He did call me back was very apologetic and understanding. BUT the answer was still the same, it was not available. He did mention that if I wanted to see the test with just the questions that was now available but to see my son’s actual test with answers that was not available. He promised to call me back the following Wednesday since he was hoping for more information by then.
March 9, 2016 Christopher called me back as promised but had no new information for me.
April 9, 2016 I emailed Christopher “We spoke a month ago about me wanting a copy of my son’s SBAC test from last year. Any news on when I will be able to see it? Schools have started to take the SBAC test for this year. Does this mean that you will get even more behind? After 6 months of actively trying to get this information it is really getting frustrating!” (he is out of the office until the 14th)
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