Literacy-Based Promotion Act & 3 rd Grade Summative Assessment Parent Information Night September 29, 2015

Assessment Timelines set by Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) DatesActivity Description March 28, 2016 – April 15, rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment May 16, 2016 – May 20, rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment Retest #1 *Scores are immediate June 27, 2016 – August 5, 2016 (RCSD – will have a specified date for this at the end of July) 3 rd Grade Reading Summative Retest #2 *Scores are immediate April 25, 2016 – May 17, 2016MAP (Mississippi Assessment Program)

Literacy-Based Promotion Act Purpose The purpose of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act is to improve the reading skills of Kindergarten through 3 rd grade public school students, so that every student completing 3 rd grade reads at or above grade level.

Prevention is key! Reading instruction must be a major focus of Kindergarten through 3 rd grade. Third grade is the year that students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other school subjects, such as science, history, writing, and even math.

STAR Reading Screener – It is a diagnostic assessment that is given 3 times a year (students in intervention/urgent intervention on the Diagnostic Report will need targeted reading interventions). Classroom assessments, DRA (child’s reading level) If a K-3 student has been identified with a substantial deficit in reading, he or she should be given intensive reading instruction and intervention. How is a substantial reading deficiency determined?

Ways we will keep parents informed Parent/Teacher Conferences Progress Reports Written Notice Letter from Dr. Weathersby TST Meetings (Teacher Support Team) School Website STAR Reports Report Cards/Progress Reports Weekly Signed Papers

Using Star Universal Screening Data to determine a reading deficiency

STAR Projected Target

3 rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment (part of MKAS 2 )

Important Information Students scoring at the lowest achievement level in reading on the third grade reading summative assessment, will not be promoted to 4 th grade. The assessment will be administered to 3 rd grade public school students during the window March 29- April 15, (Required for ALL public 3 rd grade students – except those classified as Significant Cognitive Disability) The score reporting will be immediate. Students will be given two opportunities to retake 1 st retake - at the end of May 2 nd retake at the end of summer pending summer school remediation

Facts about the Test Every public school third grader must take this assessment unless they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with an eligibility of Significant Cognitive Disability (SCD) - that states the assessment is not appropriate for them. If a student passes the 3rd Grade Summative but fails the grade – they do not promote. However, their score will be “banked” and they will not have to retake the following year in 3rd grade. If a student is ill and the test is paused, they have 8 days to resume the test.

What is on the test? Computer-based assessment 3 practice items and 50 multiple choice test items 4.5 minutes is allowed per question (allowed up to 4 hours and 15 minutes) A clock will appear once students have about 15 seconds left If an answer is not chosen, the answer is marked incorrect If an answer is selected that answer is banked Average time to complete the test is minutes Adaptive (the questions get easier or harder based on how the student answers the previous question) Multiple passages - 2nd/3rd grade level (75% 3rd grade level, 25% 2nd grade level) The 2nd grade level passages are appropriate for reading level with max of 40 words The 3rd grade level passages are appropriate for reading level with max of 55 words

Sample Test Items

Sample Test Item

What is the “cut score” or passing score? The Mississippi Department of Education had a 25 member panel of educators who met to determine the cut score for this assessment The cut score is – 926 Student score reports will be released when the testing window closes – unless otherwise determined by the state or school district

Promotion decisions are based on the following data: Final Language Arts grade (60 and above) Final Math grade (60 and above) Passing Score on Third Grade Gate Student with a good cause exemption How do students promote to 4 th Grade?

Who qualifies for a Good Cause Exemption? The good cause exemptions apply to: Limited English Proficient students with less than 2 years of instruction in an English Language Learner program Students with disabilities whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) indicates that participation in the Statewide accountability assessment program is not appropriate, as authorized under State law A student with a disability (IEP) only qualifies if he or she has been retained one year and has had intensive intervention for two years Students who receive intensive intervention for two or more years but still demonstrate deficiency in reading, and who previously were retained for two (2) years in any grade Kindergarten through 3 rd grade

Parents must communicate regularly with their child’s teacher to know their reading level and performance. Parents must be notified immediately if a reading deficiency is identified (not reading on the appropriate reading level as specified by RCSD guidelines, below 40% on STAR Reading report). At-home reading strategies will be shared with parents to help increase reading proficiency. What does this mean for parents?

What can parents do? Meet with your child’s teacher and discuss his/her performance. Support your child by ensuring homework is completed with integrity and fidelity. Address any concerns as early as possible. Ask how you can support your child at home. Make a note of important dates such as parent nights/conferences, progress reports, report cards, and assessments. Make sure your child is present and on time for school.

General Resources