ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how states and contractors can successfully manage the transition between old and new assessment contractors. It addresses two critical changes in state assessment that have had a tremendous impact on transitions between testing contractors: the need to measure progress and the shift in the roles of state and contractor in state assessment programs. The chapter discusses keys for managing a successful transition. It presents the case study to illustrate lessons that an individual state applied in planning for and implementing a second transition between contractors. The chapter describes three elements: planning for the transition, speaking a common language, and clarifying expectations-represent the minimal, initial steps that must be taken to improve transitions between contractors. Planning for a transition between testing contractors is a process that begins long before it is time for the state to issue a new request for proposals and face the prospect of hiring a new testing contractor.
