Changes for the 2010 IYS

We are excited to say we have made many positive changes to the 2010 survey process from the 2008 administration. The biggest change is that we have moved to an electronic recruitment/registration/confirmation process from the paper-based process used for many years. This will increase our contact with schools while still controlling costs. There will be no paper mailings for recruitment or confirmation (unless specifically requested) because we have placed all of the information previously included on our website: http://www.illinoisyouthsurvey.org/register/.

Our new registration process now asks schools to choose their method of delivery (paper/pencil or online) as well as their intended survey date. In 2008 we didn't request this information until the confirmation process, however, we believe that schools are more likely to complete surveying if they are able to put the survey on their school calendar as early as possible to avoid any conflicts. For your convenience, please visit the links below for 2010 state testing dates.
ISAT: http://www.isbe.net/assessment/isat.htm
PSAE: http://www.isbe.net/assessment/psae.htm
IAA: http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/iaa.htm
ICEPT: http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/icept.htm
ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

For those schools completing the survey online, we are offering additional trainings this year to proctors (planning & initial computer set-up), administrators and other staff (report creation). These trainings will be conducted online at numerous dates throughout the year (more information to come).

We are changing our primary shipper from UPS to FedEx and we are no longer requesting "call tags" in which a driver brings the labels with them to pick up the package. We are now requesting a return service in which we create the label and email it to the school contact person, who prints and adheres the label to the package. Then, all you would have to do is either give the package to the driver on your regularly scheduled pick-up or you can even bring it to a drop location near you.

Of course, we are still working on more ideas to make the survey both easier to administer and results easier to understand and utilize. Please leave a comment with any other ideas or difficulties you may have. If we don't know, we can't fix it!