FAST/TIER Testing Issues: PLEASE READ!

The message below was sent to Superintendents a few minutes ago. We wanted to get the information out to all of our other contacts. Two minor changes to the note below the extension of the window is four weeks to the 31st of October. Also, the voluntary focus on grades K3 first and the higher grades later
should include PK in the later timing. This will allow us to spread out the load and still get all of the testing done that is desired. There will be more details posted in the knowledge base as the day progresses. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this issue.

Dear Colleagues:
This message is a followup regarding the performance issues with the Iowa TIER
system. These problems are the direct result of increased numbers of students’ data going into the system and the number of simultaneous users statewide. I fully understand and share your frustration with these performance problems. Access issues not only cost money, but more importantly they get in the way of instruction which is unacceptable. Please accept my apology and please know how vigorously we are pursuing getting it fixed. The database developers have been working to resolve the issues. Some changes have been put into place, and we have devised a plan to reduce the simultaneous load on the system. The following strategies will be used to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the system during the remainder of this fall’s universal screening period.

First , the universal screening calendar is being extended to October 31. This will allow schools an additional three weeks of time to complete universal screening. Schools are encouraged to use the extended time to their advantage.
Second , we ask that schools, when possible, adjust their universal screening
schedules to support a more predictable load on the system. Specifically, we ask that schools follow the schedule in Table 1 for universal screening (US) and progress monitoring (PM).

Last , schools continuing to experience performance problems may voluntarily choose to implement one or both of the following strategies:
● Schools may choose to screen only with the default assessment. As the
window progresses, additional assessments may be used.
● Schools may choose to focus assessment first on students in grades K3.
As the window progresses, students in higher grades may be assessed.
The Department will closely monitor system performance and will take additional steps as necessary.
We take this work very seriously and understand that you rely on your data to help your students succeed. I pledge our very best efforts to remedy these issues as quickly as possible and I remain confident that ultimately the system will work the way we expect it to.

Thank you for your honest communication and for hanging in with us.
Sincerely,
Dave
David Tilly
Deputy Director
Iowa Department of Education