USBE updates LEAs on data releases, vendor changes and testing logistics for winter/spring

USBE provided a series of operational updates that LEAs should note as they prepare for the upcoming testing windows.

Key dates and data operations: Staff said a rerun of SGP data will be completed in early January and that the school report-card secure LEA review window runs Jan. 9–23 with public release on Jan. 26. LEAs should use the secure link emailed Jan. 9 to perform quality assurance checks.

Vendor and system changes: USBE announced ALO will display teacher last names in class names beginning Jan. 8 (allowing for possible sync delays), and reminded directors that UTips may be unavailable for roughly 72 hours after a semester or trimester change. STAMP and Avant results can be downloaded and may also appear in Tableau. For UA Plus, Pearson will open an additional-orders window in February for braille/large-print materials and asks for at least two weeks’ notice.

Testing logistics and pre-ID guidance: The ACT pre-ID file has been uploaded; LEAs should manually request transfers for students who moved schools. WIDA’s second pre-ID file has also been loaded; DRC should reflect updated student rosters. USBE urged care with manual additions (SSID/name matching) to avoid costly later merges.

ACT enhancements: The enhanced ACT used in Utah reduces administration time (75 minutes shorter and 44 fewer items), shortens reading passages and reduces some answer choices; science remains part of Utah’s score set. USBE also described an ACT systems-status site intended to help LEAs detect outages and plan contingencies on test day.

Progress monitoring: Staff presented Acadience progress-monitoring data showing large statewide improvements in monitoring ‘well-below’ students and urged LEAs to enroll students in progress monitoring in ALO so calendars and reminders function correctly.

Next steps: LEAs should check data in the secure-release window, confirm pre-ID rosters, follow vendor ordering windows for braille/large-print materials, and use the ACT systems-status site to prepare contingencies for administration-day problems.