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Raising Standards in Delaware: Understanding the New DCAS Test

The Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) is a new test that measures student achievement throughout the school year. Administered three times per year on computers, it adapts to students' responses to gauge their learning and performance at grade level. Recently, the State Board of Education set higher cut scores to reflect increased expectations based on the new Common Core Standards. While initial scores may seem low, raising the bar will benefit students in the long run, preparing them for success in a competitive global market. Schools may see changes in ratings under accountability standards, but the goal is to enhance student readiness and competitiveness. For more information, visit your district's website, the DOE website, consult your child's school contacts, or check school and district newsletters.

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Raising Standards in Delaware: Understanding the New DCAS Test

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  1. A NEW STANDARD FOR DELAWARE’S STUDENTS

  2. The test has changed Delaware students are now taking DCAS – the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System. This new test measures student achievement at several points throughout the school year.

  3. The new test How is DCAS different? Administered three times per year Taken on a computer The test is adaptive, so a student’s next question is based on how she or he answered the previous question Most importantly, the test is designed to measure how much a student has learned throughout the school year and whether or not she or he is performing at grade level

  4. Setting the standards The State Board of Education set the cut scores higher this year to reflect higher expectations of students. In other words, the expectations for each Performance Level have gone up.

  5. Why are the standards higher? The State’s new Common Core Standards are based on national and international curricula and will help Delaware graduates compete for jobs, scholarships, and college acceptance in a global marketplace.

  6. What does this mean for students? The number of students who score well on the new DCAS will be lower than the number of students who performed well on the old state tests. This trend will be temporary and is expected to even out within a few years.

  7. What does this mean for students? The level of performance that earned many students a PL3 last year will earn those students a PL2 this year. Therefore, many students are likely to drop a Performance Level this year.

  8. How the scores will compare (estimated, based on 2010 spring field test)

  9. What does this mean for schools? Schools that previously achieved AYP – Annual Yearly Progress – may not reach it this year because student scores will be lower. This will impact school ratings according to No Child Left Behind accountability standards and Race to the Top initiatives.

  10. What does this mean for Delaware? While scores this year will look low, setting higher standards will ultimately benefit our students, our schools, and our state. Students will be better prepared to excel after graduation and able to compete in a global economy.

  11. Where to find more information Your District’s website The DOE website Your child’s principal or teacher School and District newsletters This information brought to you by your New Castle County public schools.

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