Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smart Step? Top | Back to FAQs
Smart Step is a comprehensive initiative based on the premise that all students can be successful. The goal is to have all students on grade level in reading and mathematics by the end of eighth grade. The four components of Smart Step are the same components of any quality education program - standards, assessment, professional development and accountability. Standards serve as the focus for instruction. The Arkansas Standards and Curriculum Frameworks outline what students are expected to know and be able to do. Assessments are aligned to the Arkansas Frameworks and provide information on student strengths and weaknesses and assist the teacher in adjusting instruction and materials to address student needs. Professional Development, through Smart Step, is available to all teachers and principals. The activities provide additional support to help teachers teach to the standards and use assessments in a more effective way. Accountability is focused on each individual school and is constructed around a three-tiered system that includes statewide indicators, individual school improvement indicators, and a locally generated school accountability narrative.
For additional information please refer to the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) section located on the Arkansas Department of Education's Web site.
What is the role of a Smart Step facilitator? Top | Back to FAQs
The facilitator and the building principal make up a school's Smart Step Leadership Team. The team will act as coordinators for the initiative by attending quarterly meetings, education cooperative related activities and other events associated with Smart Step. The team is expected to share information, coordinate and facilitate school meetings.
What can teachers do to prepare students for the Benchmark Exams? Top | Back to FAQs
Many schools have been involved in mapping the local curriculum and aligning it to the Arkansas Frameworks. By mapping what is being taught at each grade, teachers are able to focus on fewer skills and concepts while assuring that all essential skills are taught. The ADE has provided sample Benchmark and Curriculum Models to assist schools in developing local curricula. The sample Benchmark provides a scope and sequence of skill and concept development across grade levels. The sample Curriculum Models provide specific grade level suggestions on teaching strategies and assessment options for what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level.
What are the requirements for professional development? Top | Back to FAQs
Each year 30 hours of professional development are required for each certified staff member. Six of the hours must be in the area of technology. The Rules and Regulations governing professional development can be viewed on the ADE's Web site.
Does Smart Step place new demands on a teacher's class schedule? Top | Back to FAQs
Smart Step is sensitive to the demands of classroom teaching and has not added additional requirements. The initiative places a focus on teaching and learning by providing support for Arkansas educators through training and materials. For example, Sample Benchmark and Curriculum Models are available on the ADE web site to assist teachers in implementing the Arkansas academic standards. State conferences and regional workshops will be held throughout the year to support teachers and principals in implementing a standards-based classroom.
Our district is designing curricula aligned to the Frameworks; yet we are required to give a norm-referenced test for which classroom teachers are held accountable. Please respond.
The Arkansas accountability system is based on a variety of indicators, not a single test score. Although state law does require the administration of a nationally norm referenced test (NRT), the Benchmark Exams are the key indicator of the system. The Benchmark Exams were customized around the academic standards in the Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks. Given early in the year, the NRT can pinpoint specific skill strengths and weaknesses helping to modify the instructional program, teaching strategies and/or classroom assessments as needed.
What can be done to help students entering the middle grades who are reading below grade level? Top | Back to FAQs
Educators should contact the literacy specialist located at the area education cooperative for specific assistance.
The International Reading Association recently released a response to the 1999 NAEP report entitled "Adolescents Deserve More Support!" that stated, "The demands on teachers of adolescents differ in terms of content. In order to be an effective teacher, many different proven strategies need to be implemented in the classroom." Middle level students need access to a wide variety of high interest reading materials, teachers who model what good readers do as they read, explicit instruction in comprehension, additional time for reading instruction and individual time with reading specialists. Two good resources for specific teaching ideas are Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey and Classroom Instruction That Works by Debra Pickering.
The goal of Smart Step is "all" students will be at grade level. Does the Department really mean "all" students? Top | Back to FAQs
Yes, the initiative is based on the belief that all students can learn if they are provided good instruction and time.
Are special education students expected to meet standards? Top | Back to FAQs
Yes, as addressed in each student's Individual Education Program.
Are there accommodations for 504 students taking the Benchmark Exams? Top | Back to FAQs
Yes. For complete information please refer to Director's Memo ACC-00-047 dated 03-20-2000, and visit the Special Education web site to review the new Special Education Related Services Procedural Requirements and Program Standards, Appendix B.
Are schools held accountable for students entering the district with limited English skills? Top | Back to FAQs
Arkansas schools are responsible for educating all children. For additional information, refer to the ACTAAP document and the Rules and Regulations Governing Student Assessment on the ADE Web site.
Is the state working to align ELLA, Effective Literacy and McRat to Smart Step? Top | Back to FAQs
ELLA, Effective Literacy and McRat are research-based, professional development programs that provide teachers with a solid foundation in literacy development and teaching. The programs support all aspects of the initiative.
Do the open-ended response questions on the Benchmark Exams always need to be explained and if so, why? Top | Back to FAQs
The purpose of an open-ended response is for a student to show how he/she arrived at an answer. Depending on the item this might be accomplished through writing, drawing or communicating his/her reasoning in some way.
How is Smart Step related to ACTAAP and school improvement? Top | Back to FAQs
The components of ACTAAP and Smart Step are one in the same - standards, assessment, professional development and accountability. The Smart Step initiative provides additional resources and professional development to middle level educators. Smart Step provides a focus for school improvement.
What are some practical ways to implement Smart Step? Top | Back to FAQs
A sample implementation guide can be found on the Smart Step web site.
Where are practice test items found? Top | Back to FAQs
All released items are listed in the Benchmark Exam Teacher Handbooks. The fourth grade released items can be used with sixth and seventh grade students. Teachers can also modify the items. Please contact the area literacy and/or mathematics specialist for additional suggestions on constructing sample items.
We seem to spend a great deal of time testing? Can you please respond? Top | Back to FAQs
Although local districts have added additional testing requirements, the state only requires the following:
- Benchmark Exams at Grades 4, 6 and 8 - 6 hours and 40 minutes each
- Literacy at Grade 11- 4 hours
- End of Course Algebra I and Geometry - 2 hours each
- SAT-9, Grades 5 and 7 - 6 hours and 15 minutes each
- SAT-9, Grade 10 - 4 hours and 25 minutes
What is proficient? Top | Back to FAQs
Proficient is scoring at grade level. For a complete definition of each Benchmark level, please see ACTAAP.
Is Smart Step going to be tied closely to middle level concepts and practices? Top | Back to FAQs
Smart Step encourages schools to develop local programs and practices based on current research and best practices.
If a school initiated Smart Start K-6, should the faculty now be split into K-4 and 5-6? Top | Back to FAQs
It is recommended that the faculty remain as one coordinated unit.
Is Smart Step going to duplicate Smart Start? Top | Back to FAQs
The initiatives share the same goal - all students at grade level - employ the use of a site facilitator, and encourage learning teams. The content of the professional development will target the needs of the middle level educator and student.
Are there specific resources that you would recommend to a school that is planning to develop a middle school? Top | Back to FAQs
Contact the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Education, Mr. Charles Green, Executive Director at 501-490-1825 or visit their web site at www.aamle.org - the National Middle School Association at www.nmsa.org - or your area school improvement specialists.
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