Memo Text
The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has begun the procurement process to secure a viable assessment option to replace ACT Aspire. In order to provide the greatest propensity to meet identified priorities, ACT Aspire will remain the Arkansas summative assessment for grades 3-10 through the 2022-2023 school year, with the replacement assessment beginning in 2023-2024.
DESE has now concluded a four-month process of gathering educator stakeholder input surrounding priorities for statewide assessment in grades 3-12. Over 3,700 educators from across the state provided input through focus groups, direct interviews, and a statewide assessment survey. Identified priorities include alignment to Arkansas Academic Standards, Arkansas educator participation in the test development process, and an aligned system that provides instructional support. The Statewide Summative Assessment Focus Group Report of the feedback findings can be found on the Assessment web page of the DESE website.
Further information about the procurement process and additional opportunities for educator participation will be shared as they become available.