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LDOE outlines rollout of kindergarten–3 numeracy screener and required numeracy training for grades 4–8
Summary
The department said the new numeracy screener will be administered K–3 in a 'learning year' before scores are used in accountability; LDOE also reiterated that required fourth–eighth grade numeracy training must be completed by Aug. 1 and described progress and supports for districts.
The Louisiana Department of Education updated the Superintendents Advisory Council on implementation of the new K–3 numeracy screener (Act 650) and required numeracy training for fourth through eighth grade teachers (Act 260).
Jenna Stassall of LDOE said the numeracy screener will be administered to kindergarten through third grade students in the coming year as a learning-year administration: "The numeracy screener will be administered for kindergarten through third grade, and it will be considered a learning year, meaning that every kindergarten through third grade student will be administered the screener, but during this learning year, scores may not be reported and they will not be used in school performance scores," Stassall said. The department plans three administration windows that align with the literacy screener windows and will use the learning year to field-test items and set cut scores.
Stassall said the department can provide raw or item‑level information to districts during the learning year to help educators interpret students’ strengths and instructional needs, but cautioned that psychometric adjustments and cut scores require field data. The department is partnering with an assessment vendor that provides the testing platform and psychometric services and said LDOE psychometricians and content specialists will work with districts on item development and bookmarking exercises to set proficiency thresholds.
On accountability timing, LDOE staff said the numeracy screener will not be included in school performance scores immediately; the department intends to collect two years of full implementation data before incorporating numeracy into accountability and growth measures.
The department also reported on required numeracy professional development for grades 4–8 under Act 260. LDOE said it has developed the training in partnership with content experts and the Dana Center and that most districts have educators enrolled. The department noted that completion of the required fourth–eighth grade numeracy training must be completed by Aug. 1 (this year), and encouraged districts to monitor progress and assign trained teachers for summer learning programs for students needing additional support.
Council members asked about the screener’s administration format; LDOE said some components are likely to be one‑on‑one (particularly early grades and manipulatives) while other parts may be computer‑based, and the screener is designed to be brief (LDOE staff referenced a target of about five minutes per student for many items) so teachers can use the results to guide instruction and progress monitoring.
A motion to receive the report was made and seconded; the council accepted the update.
