Transcript Document

Vermont State Assessments:
What do families need to know?
[INSERT DATE]
Overview of Discussion
1. What the new state tests mean for your child
2. What your child can expect
3. Ways to support your child
4. How to interpret test results
5. Additional resources for parents
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What the New
State Tests Mean
for Your Child
New Statewide Tests
•
Vermont adopted higher, more focused standards–Vermont’s Academic
Content Standards–in 2010 to better prepare students for college, technical
schools, and careers.
•
Our education system was falling short in developing the communication,
critical-thinking and problem-solving skills students need to succeed after
high school.
•
New standards require new state tests that better measure these skills and
allow students to show what they know and what they can do.
•
Example Third Grade Reading Standard: “Determine the main idea of a text;
recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.”
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New Statewide Tests
• Students in grades 3-8 will take new English language arts and
mathematics tests. These tests will replace [INSERT NAME OF
OLD TEST]. The tests include two components that can each be
taken online.
• Computer Adaptive Test
• Short-answer, technology-enhanced, and multiple choice questions
• Test is customized for each student
• Performance Task
• Longer multi-step questions, including essays
• Students solve real-world problems
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What is Smarter Balanced?
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
• A group of states that have worked together to develop high quality
tests in English and Math that are aligned to the new standards.
• Vermont joined Smarter Balanced to create a new test aligned to our
standards.
• The tests were field-tested in
Spring 2014 by more than
4 million students in 21 states,
including Vermont.
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What Do the English Tests Measure?
• Can students read closely to comprehend a range of
complex literary and informational texts?
• Can students write effectively for a range of purposes
and audiences?
• Can students listen effectively for a range of purposes?
• Can students use research skills to investigate topics,
analyze, and present information?
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What Do the Math Tests Measure?
• Can students explain and apply math concepts and perform
math procedures?
• Can students solve problems using their knowledge of
concepts and problem solving strategies?
• Can students analyze real-world scenarios and create
models to solve problems?
• Can students build practical arguments to support their own
reasoning?
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How Do I Know What My Child is Expected to
Learn This Year
• The PTA developed grade-specific
“Guides to Student Success” so
you know the skills your child
should master and what he or she
is expected to know every year:
www.PTA.org/CommonCore
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What Students
Can Expect
What’s Different About the Tests?
The new tests go beyond the “bubble test.”
Students show their work through:
• Extended writing, and multi-step questions which require students to apply the
skills they have learned.
They measure:
•
•
•
•
Problem-solving
Writing
Critical thinking
Reading and listening comprehension
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How Long Will the Tests Take?
• These tests may take longer.
• Thinking critically, reading deeply, and writing a wellthought response takes more time than simply filling in a
bubble.
• Necessary skills to practice and master.
• Estimated Time: 7-8 ½ hours
• 12 week period (8 weeks for high school)
• One to two hours per day
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What Will be Different in Math?
Students will:
• Show their work and demonstrate that they understand a concept in
addition to memorizing the formula.
• Apply their mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems.
• Describe their reasoning.
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EXAMPLE: 5th Grade Math Test
Previous State Assessment Example:
Which number makes the equation true?
3
4
4x =?
3
A.
16
12
B.
16
C. 3
D. 4
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EXAMPLE: 5th Grade Math Test
New Vermont State Assessment Example:
.
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What Will be Different in English Language Arts?
Students will:
– Show they can read and understand complex passages.
– Use evidence to support their ideas in written responses at
every grade level.
– Research a topic and use the findings to make a claim and
draw a conclusion.
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EXAMPLE: 7th Grade ELA Test
Previous State Assessment Example:
Your principal is considering requiring assigned seats in
every classroom. Do you think students should have
assigned seats in every class? Take a position on this
issue. Write a multiple-paragraph letter to persuade your
principal to support your position.
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EXAMPLE: 7th Grade ELA Test
New Vermont State Assessment Example:
You have read several sources about the production of pennies in the
United States. Using your sources, write a multi-paragraph
argumentative essay either for or against the continued production of the
penny in the United States. Make sure you establish a claim, address
counterarguments, and support your claim with evidence from the
sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own
words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to
reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts
directly from the sources.
.
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Ways to Support
Your Student
How Can I Help at Home?
• Review a practice test with your child:
http://www.smarterbalanced.org/practice-test/
• Talk with your child and reassure him/her that these tests aren’t the kind
you “cram” for, but just measure what they’ve mastered from their
classwork.
• Assure your child they have enough time to finish.
• Have them read a variety of materials at home, including fiction and
informational texts.
• Involve learning in everyday activities. Mix math into cooking or
shopping. Ask children to express opinions and to back their views.
How To Interpret
Test Results
What Will Results Look Like?
[INSERT SCREEN SHOT OF STATE’S INDIVIDUAL
STUDENT REPORT]
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New Tests, New Baselines
• These upgraded tests are harder.
• With a greater emphasis on deeper learning, we have raised the bar for
our students, parents, and teachers.
• We can expect that fewer students will clear this higher bar than have
in the past. That doesn’t mean that students know less or are doing
worse.
• This year’s test will establish a new baseline to measure progress
going forward.
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How Will Scores be Used?
Test results will help schools to:
•
Make instructional decisions.
•
Determine individual needs of students:
 Extra support?
 More challenging work?
 Recommendations for future classes?
•
Scores do not impact GPA, class ranking, or college admission.
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Thank You To Our Teachers
A Transition:
• Learning the new standards
• Engaging lessons
• Helped develop the Smarter Balanced test
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Resources for
More Information
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Where Can I Find More Info?
Great Web Sites
• Smarter Balanced Practice Tests: Reading, Writing, Math
• Practice Tests http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/
• Smarter Balanced Info: www.smarterbalanced.org
• Parent Friendly Information and Resources: BeALearningHero.org and
Facebook.com/bealearninghero
• Vermont Department of Education: education.vermont.gov
www.PTA.org/CommonCore
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Vermont’s New State Assessments:
Questions?