Field Tests … Tests of the test questions

Field Tests … Tests of the test questions Jeff Nellhaus, PARCC, Inc. Louisiana Common Core Implementation Conference February 19, 2014

Purpose of the session • Provide information about the … • PARCC consortium • Design of the PARCC assessment system • Spring 2014 Field tests • Hear your comments and suggestions • Answer questions

Handouts • PPT Presentation • Understanding the PARCC Field Test (2-pager) • List of Field Test Training Modules • Checklist for Getting Read

The PARCC Consortium • 17 statesand the District of Columbia • Led byChief State School Officers of governing states • 11 millionstudents in tested grades

PARCC’s Priorities Develop and Implement a High Quality Assessment System • Measure • Student performance on the full range of the Common Core Standards • All students with precision, including high- to low-performing students, students with disabilities and English learners • Report • Whether students are ready for college & careers or on track • Comparable data across schools, districts & states • Provide • Actionable information & tools to support instruction • Reliable data for accountability uses • Innovate • By using technology to engage students & create efficiencies in all phases of the assessment process from test development to reporting 3

The PARCC Assessment Systemmore than just a test Beginning of School Year • End of School Year Flexible scheduling Performance-Based Assessment DiagnosticAssessment Mid-Year Assessment End-of-Year Assessment Speaking and Listening Assessment Legend Formative optional Summative required 4

Focus of Summative Assessment Components ELA/Literacy Writing essays drawing evidence from sources, including multi-media Math Solving multi-step problems that address reasoning and real world situations Performance-Based Component End-of-Year Component ELA/Literacy Demonstrating comprehension (including vocabulary) of literary and informational texts Math Demonstrating conceptual understanding, fluency, and short applications PBA and EOY Combined = Total Score 5

Focus of Formative Components • Grades 2-8 • Reading, Writing, Mathematics • Computer-based, adaptive • Designed to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses Diagnostic Assessments Mid-Year Assessments • Grades 3-11 • ELA/Literacy and Math • Computer-and paper-based modules comprised of released PARCC items • Designed to serve a variety of purposes: • interim assessments • classroom assignments • practice with new item types and computer-based interactions 6

Purpose of Field Tests • They will also provide an opportunity for a number of important research studies • But are not designed to yield individual student, school, or district results The field tests are designed to generate data to evaluate the quality of the test questions

Schools in 14 States & DC are Participating in the Field Tests • Over 1 million students will participate • Nearly 16,000 schools • In most cases , 1-3 grades per school, 2 classrooms per grade • Most student take one component in one content area

Field Tests Benefits • Studentsbecome familiar with new item types and the test delivery platform • Teachersprovide feedback on the administration • Technology Coordinators evaluate their schools’ technology systems • Parentslearn more about PARCC • Administrators evaluate overall staff, student and community readiness

PARCC is Developing Both Computer- and Paper-Based Tests • Field Tests • Most students will use PARCC’s computer-based platform • Paper-and-pencil versions of the field tests will also be administered • Tests in 2014–2015 and onward • Paper versions will be available for schools still in the process of gearing up • Goal is for all students to take PARCC assessments on computer within a few years

Timeline 2014 • Support for School Staff • Regional workshops • On-Site Visits • Manuals & Training modules • Call Center • Tools to check computer systems & conduct “dress rehearsals” EOY Field Test May 6– June 6 PBA Field Test March 24– April 11 Practice Tests Research Findings

Sample Items and Practice Tests • Sample items available now! • For students and educators • www.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples • Practice tests coming soon! • For the general public • Available this spring • Bothsample itemsandpractice tests are designed to help students familiarize students with the item types and with the technology platform before taking a full test in spring 2015

Tutorial for how to use TestNav8 A tutorial for using TestNav8 isavailable now for students and educatorswww.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples

What’s Next for PARCC

Transparency and CapacityResources and On-the-Ground Supports • Model Content Frameworks • www.parcconline.org/parcc-model-content-frameworks • Test Specifications and Blueprints • http://www.parcconline.org/assessment-blueprints-test-specs • Sample items and tutorials for every tested subject and grade • http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/# • Educator Leaders Cadres • Public ELC portal for educator resources! • http://parcc.nms.org/ • Test Administration Training Modules • PowerPoint and voice recorded guidance to guide test administration • Register here: parcc.pearson.com/tms • Practice Test • Spring 2014: PARCConline.org

In conclusion … • PARCC aims to develop tests worth taking, made up of texts worth reading and problems worth solving • Full of the kinds of questions that great teachers routinely ask students • Your involvement in implementing the new system is critical and greatly appreciated!!

More Information For further details, please visit PARCC online at: www.parcconline.org/field-test

Field Tests … Tests of the test questions