Questar Assessment Experts to Present at Upcoming CCSSO 42nd Annual National Conference on Student Assessment

APPLE VALLEY, Minn., May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Questar Assessment, Inc. (www.QuestarAI.com), a leading educational assessment provider for states, school districts, and higher education institutions, has announced that four of its industry experts will be presenting at the upcoming Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) 42nd Annual National Conference on Student Assessment (NCSA). The conference will take place the week of June 26–29, 2012, at the Hilton Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"Questar is very proud to have the National Conference on Student Assessment in our home state and we welcome all participants," said Roy Lipner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Questar Assessment, Inc. "We are pleased to be a conference sponsor and to contribute thought leadership in multiple sessions."

Questar presentations include:

• Online Assessment for English Language Learners

Moderator: Ken Kalcevich, Vice President of State Assessment Solutions, Questar Assessment
Co-presenter: Steve Mesmer, Chief Operating Officer, Questar Assessment
Co-presenter: Timothy Vansickle, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Psychometrics and Research, Questar Assessment

Lead Presenter: Jennifer Paul, Educational Research Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Co-presenter: Ji Zeng, Ph.D., Psychometrician, Michigan Department of Education

Abstract: The Michigan English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) is the statewide Title III assessment for ELL students. In 2011 a pilot was conducted to move the ELPA to online administration. The goals of the pilot were (1) analyze any effects on student performance; (2) obtain feedback on platform, test administration and student experience; and (3) assess technical readiness of sites. The pilot was a strong success and further expansion is planned. Technical and psychometric issues will be presented and discussed.

• Lunch and Learn: Innovative Items: What Do They Mean to Your Students, Teachers, and Your Assessment Program?

Lead Presenter: Timothy Vansickle, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Psychometrics and Research, Questar Assessment

Co-presenter: Liru Zhang, Ph.D., Education Associate, Assessment and Analysis, Delaware Department of Education

Abstract: This Lunch and Learn session will provide a few examples of potential innovative items followed by a discussion of issues surrounding the adoption of such items. What is the impact on measuring student achievement and improving teaching and learning? What are the issues in item construction, item review, psychometrics, and test construction? What are the operational considerations?

• A Marriage of the Minds: Innovative Classroom Technology Leads to Better Performance on Assessments

Co-presenter: Nikki Eatchel, Vice President of Program Management, Questar Assessment

Lead Presenter: Tony Eatchel, Technology Specialist, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School, Apple Valley, Minn.
Co-presenter: John Garcia, Principal, Cedar Park Elementary STEM School, Apple Valley, Minn.

Abstract: Most people understand and embrace the fact that technological innovation in the classroom can lead to significant improvements in assessment scores (particularly online assessment scores). But simply mixing in technology alone isn't enough to forge tangible results. Technology has to be fully integrated with students and teachers to see significant, positive impacts to assessment scores. This session will review specific examples of how technology can be successfully integrated within an elementary school along with corresponding test score trends during one program's evolution.

Questar is a gold sponsor at the conference and will sponsor the conference program guide. In addition to sponsorship, Questar will also be exhibiting.

About Questar Assessment, Inc.
Questar Assessment, Inc. is a leading educational assessment provider for states, schools, and school districts. Headquartered in Minnesota and New York, Questar offers comprehensive custom assessment services—from large-scale statewide assessment programs to alternate, modified, and English language proficiency assessments. Questar provides complete, end-to-end services designed to address all aspects of assessment from test design, development, calibration, and psychometric services to print production, distribution, scanning, scoring, reporting, and data analysis. Questar also offers customized online testing services to schools and educational entities in the K–12 market. For further information, visit www.QuestarAI.com or call 800-800-2598.

About the Council of Chief State School Officers
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the United States, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five United States extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public. For further information, visit www.ccsso.org or call 202-336-7000.

SOURCE Questar Assessment, Inc.