2026 HSAP Virtual Assessment Conference: Full Schedule

9:45am HST

A1: From Compasses to Conversations: Assessment Communication Strategies for Teachers and Leaders

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am HST

Building from his preceding keynote, Andrew will reemphasize that a test score is a compass, not a verdict. But making that real in a parent conference, a data meeting, or a classroom requires specific tools. This session offers concrete communication strategies for turning assessment results into growth-oriented conversations. Participants explore techniques like asking students to recall something they mastered through effort, then connecting that memory to reading a score as a signal rather than a sentence. We practice reframing language for common scenarios, from Smarter Balanced scores to report card grades, always oriented toward the question that matters most: what comes next?

Speakers

Andrew Ho

Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Andrew Ho is the Charles William Eliot Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a psychometrician whose research aims to improve the design, use, and interpretation of test scores in educational policy and practice. Ho is known for his research documenting... Read More →

Lisa Watkins-Victorino

Director, HIDOE Assessment & Accountability

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am HST

Block A

9:45am HST

A2: Updates from Across Hawaiʻi’s Assessment Ecosystem

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am HST

This presentation provides an overview of the required annual assessments, highlighting all updates and key changes since the last school year. We will cover what's new, how to access and interpret reports in the CRS and Family Portal, and share the training schedules for the upcoming year. We will also cover the latest information various statewide assessment, as well as details on the revision and implementation of the Hawai'i common core math standards.

Speakers

Melissa LaDuke

Test Development Specialist, HIDOE

Melissa C. LaDuke currently serves as a Test Development Specialist, Assessment Section, HIDOE. She earned her PhD in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech University, her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hawaii Pacific University, and Master’s degree in chemistry from University of Da... Read More →

Pohai Shultz

KĀʻEO: Kaiapuni Assessment of Educational Outcomes Director, UH-Mānoa College of Education

Kelsie Pualoa

ELA Test Development Specialist, HIDOE State Office - OSIP/AAB/Assessment Section

Kelsie Pualoa has served as the English Language Arts Test Development Specialist at the Hawai’i Department of Education since 2018. She leads the development and implementation of statewide assessments, ensuring compliance with federal policies and grant requirements. Kelsie specializes... Read More →

Tyler Belanga

Test Development Specialist, HIDOE State Office - OSIP/AAB/Assessment Section

Tyler Belanga is a Test Development Specialist with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education's Assessment Section, where his work focuses on balanced assessment systems, performance assessment design, and social studies item development. With a background as a middle school educator... Read More →

Jason Nagaoka

Test Development Specialist, Assessment Section

Jason Nagaoka is a test development specialist for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, focusing on mathematics and interim assessments. He brings 15 years of prior experience as a high school mathematics teacher, including 12 years of leadership as a department chair. Jason... Read More →

Temitayo Olaoye

Test Development Specialist, HIDOE Assessment & Accountability Branch

Temitayo Olaoye is a seasoned education professional and test administrator with more than 15 years of experience in organizational systems management, English instruction, private academic tutoring, and large‑scale test administration. Her work has consistently centered on improving instructi... Read More →

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am HST

Block A

9:45am HST

A3: Assessment Test Security

Tuesday September 15, 2026 9:45am - 10:30am HST

An overview of the test security and quality assurance measures the Assessment Section has implemented through its partnership with Caveon to ensure the validity and reliability of assessment scores. Caveon test security consultants will explain the purpose of Quality Assurance Visits and Assessment Administration Monitoring, and the differences between them. We will also identify the most common administration errors and test security vulnerabilities observed by monitors.

Speakers