This year, Vermont will be implementing for the first time, the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP) provided by Cognia in replacement of the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) and Vermont Science Assessment (VTSA). This new assessment provides improvements to our assessment system in terms of equity and accessibility (e.g., translations, embedded speech to text). The new system will be computer based and all three subjects will be adaptive (new for science) and will assess our state standards for ELA, math, and science. Please note that Vermont’s test delivery system uses state of the art security features that protect your students’ privacy and adhere to all federal and state confidentiality regulations. To learn more about the VTCAP, please visit the State of VT website.
All students enrolled in a public school and/or funded through public funding are required to participate in statewide assessment. The State of Vermont does not have an “opt-out” policy. Listed below are the two special circumstances that the State of Vermont will consider during the 2022 administration of statewide summative assessments.
Medical Exemption
A medical exemption may be requested, as in any other year, for a significant medical circumstance or condition that prohibits a student from testing during the testing window.
First Year English Learners
English Learners (ELs) are also required to take statewide academic assessments. Recently arrived ELs are exempted from VT CAP ELA assessments in their first year of enrollment, but must be included in Math, Science and ELP assessments.
Schools can administer these assessments this year between April 12 and May 26, 2023. Each school will share your childs’ testing schedule with you once it is available. These assessments include:
VTCAP Language Arts and Mathematics: Grades 3-9
VTCAP Science Assessment: Grades 5, 8, and 11
We appreciate your partnership in your child’s education. If you have any questions feel free to contact either Jennifer Lemery at jennifer.lemery@ccsuvt.net or Anthony Fontana at anthony.fontana@ccsuvt.net.
