Muriel Summers… “We only get one chance to prepare our students for a future that none of us can possibly predict. What are we going to do with that one chance?”

© Education Service Center, Region 20 End-of- Course 3-8

Grades 3-8 Reading – Gr. 3-8 Math – Gr. 3-8 Writing – Gr. 4 & 7 Science – Gr. 5 & 8 Soc. Studies – Gr. 8 4 High School COURSES MathEnglishScienceSoc Studies Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Eng I Engl II Eng III Biology Chemistry Physics World Geo. World Hist. U.S. History

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Plan for phase-out of HS TAKS and phase-in of EOC assessments *Out-of-school testers and 12th grade retesters 2010– – – – –2015 GR 9TAKSEOC GR 10TAKS EOC GR 11TAKS EOC GR 12TAKS* EOC or TAKS*

It is a harder, more rigorous test Emphasis on readiness in terms of subsequent grades or courses, and ultimately, college and career readiness Focus on content taught the current year 6

A more rigorous test… Let’s take a look at the progression of the Texas test over time… – What do you notice about the questions over time? – How has the difficulty level changed over time?

One Step: 1.Fewest barrels TABS Exit Level Math Started in

Two Steps: 1.Find point on graph 2.Multiply 30 pupils x $300 = $9,000 TEAMS Exit Level Math (started in 1986) 9

Three Steps: 1.Find paper on pie chart 2.Divide tons of paper by total tons: 72/180 3.Convert to 40% TAAS Exit Level Math (started in 1999) 10

Five Steps: 1.Add all votes = 1,200 2.Determine which student finished 3 rd (Bridget: 240 votes) 3.Determine Bridget’s %age of votes 240 / 1,200 = 20% 4.Know that a pie chart has 360 total degrees 5.Determine 20% of 360 degrees:.20 x 360 = 72 TAKS Exit Level Math (Started in 2003) 11

Four Steps: 1. For this problem, what values of t are appropriate? Since t is time, t can only be ≥ 0. So the domain is t ≥ Determine f(t) for the lowest value of t. That is, determine f(0) = Determine the behavior of f (t) as t increases. Note that f(t) has a horizontal asymptote, y=0. 4. Conclude that the range is 0<f(t)≤100. STAAR Algebra II (2012) 12

What do the other content areas look like? Note the difficulty level of the questions and the level of thinking involved for each content area. Let’s take a look…

14 STAAR Physics (2012) Four Steps: 1. Identify that a photogate measures time, a glider does not have a motor and an air track means resistance (or friction) has been eliminated. 2.Know that without friction, gravitational force will pull the glider downward. 3.Determine, from the Reference Materials, that the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2. This is an increasing rate and will have a positive slope when graphed. 4.Know that the acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 means a change in velocity of 9.8 m/s for every 1 second. This indicates a proportional relationship which is linear when graphed.

STAAR English III (2012) 15 Seven Steps: 1. Recall the definition of a simile. 2. Identify the simile in paragraph Use background knowledge to understand the simile – Turning back the odometer on a car makes it appear more appealing to potential buyers. 4. Infer what the narrator believes about the clasp (story of the clasp was used to make an unwanted baby appear more appealing to potential parents) by analyzing the authors choice of words (cheesy, sob-story, fool-hearted, naïve, trick). 5. Compare the meaning of the simile to what the narrator believes about the clasp. 6. Recognize the similarities between the simile and the narrator’s beliefs. 7. Understand the meaning of the word resentful.

STAAR U.S. History (2012) 16 Three Steps: 1.Students will need to review the political cartoon through the following questions a.What do you notice first about the picture? b.What people or objects are shown? c.What do you see that might be a symbol? d.What do you think the symbol means? e.What issue do you think this cartoon is about? 2.Students will need to know and understand the Domino Theory and the relationship of the cartoon to the theory. 3.Students will need to know the events in Southeast Asia related to the spread of communism and the role of the US in the area related to containment of communism.

What will the STAAR actually assess? The STAAR will assess mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) – Readiness Standards – Supporting Standards – Process Standards

Readiness vs. Supporting Standards Readiness Supporting

How is the test “more rigorous?” More of the test will assess the Readiness Standards Many of the STAAR items are “dual coded” – they assess more than one of the TEKS The test is longer The test is timed

Assessment Testing Timeline STAAR Grade 3-8STAAR EOC March and April of 2012May 7 – May 18, 2012 *Assessment Window

Student Performance Labels Three Levels Level IIIAdvanced Academic Performance Level IISatisfactory Academic Performance Level IUnsatisfactory Academic Performance

How is grade promotion determined? State assessment scores Teacher recommendations Student grades Other local district requirements

How are we preparing for STAAR? Sweetwater ISD is implementing a comprehensive strategy to prepare our students for STAAR. Please contact your student’s Principal for more details.

Sweetwater ISD 207 Musgrove Street Sweetwater, Tx (325)