1. Getting Ready for the Pennsylvania State Assessments, 2015-2016
October 19, 2015
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2. Introduction Contacts
Ray Young, Chief, Division of Instructional Quality;
Jean Dyszel, Project Based Assessment;
Linda Long, ACCESS;
John Machella, PASA;
Drew Schuckman, NAEP;
Diane Simaska, PSSA ELA/Keystone Literature/Accommodations;
Charlie Wayne, PSSA Math/Keystone Algebra I;
Craig Weller, PSSA Science/Keystone Biology;
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3. Agenda General Information Overview of Statewide Assessments
Resources and Tools
PSSA
Keystone Exams
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4. General Information Updates PA Accountability System; ra-pas@pa.gov
School Performance Profile (PDE website)or PA School Performance Profile (website);
Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS);
Educator Effectiveness System;
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5. Statewide Assessments
Assessing Communication and Comprehension in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs);
Project Based Assessment (PBA);
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP);
Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA);
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6. PA Alternate System of Assessment
Test Window
Reading/Math: Feb. 15, 2016 – March 25, 2016 (media due April 4, 2016)
Science Test Window: May 2, 2016 – May 27, 2016
Writing: No statewide test form; student writing samples are individually created (by teacher) and scored (by teacher) and stored (in IEP folder)
Enrollment Period
Reading/Math: September 28, 2015 – December 11, 2015
Science: January 11, February 5, 2016
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7. PA Alternate System of Assessment
Who participates in the PASA?
Students with a significant cognitive disability
Grades 3-8 and 11 Reading/ELA/Math
Grades 4, 8 and 11 Science
PASA Participation Guidelines
IEP teams make assessment decisions
Student must meet all six eligibility criteria
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8. PA Alternate System of Assessment
Test Design based upon alternate eligible content
Math and ELA and Scoring Samplers
PASA Scoring Guidelines
Alternate eligible content aligned with PSSA Assessment Anchors and eligible content
Implement policies/procedures to enhance test security (NEW)
Participation in Test Administration modules (NEW)
Preferred option for Digital recording and uploading recordings: Contact PASA to get enrolled.
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9. PASA Required Training Reading/Math PASA Additional Training
PA Alternate System of Assessment
PASA Required Training Reading/Math
Topic: Test Administration
Format: Modules
Location:
Window: December 4, 2015-January 22, 2016
PASA Additional Training
Enrollment of Students
Uploading Video –Digital Districts
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10. PA Alternate System of Assessment
PASA Contact Information
All test materials are shipped from and returned to PASA Project at the University of Pittsburgh:
Dr. Naomi Zigmond – Reading/ELA/Math
Dr. Steven R. Lyon – Science
Enrollment, training, digital uploads:
General PASA Information: PDE PASA webpage
Science Updates:
QUESTIONS:
Dr. John Machella; (412) ;
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11. Resources and Tools eDirect PSSA Testing Calendars
Keystone Exams Testing Calendars
Performance Level Descriptors and Cut Scores (All Grades/Subjects)
Technical Reports (PSSA/Keystone)
Accommodations
Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS)
Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT)
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12. PSSA Math Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Mathematics Test Design
Mathematics Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Calculator Policy
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
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13. PSSA Math
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14. PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Embedded Field Test based on PCS
Open-ended items scored on a 0-4 scale
Item-specific scoring guidelines but no general rubric
Formula sheets will be provided for grades 4-8
See Resource Materials on PDE’s website for the formula sheets and item samplers
Multiple choice items based on the Assessment Anchors aligned to the PA Core Standards. The Eligible Content is considered Assessment Limits.
All items may cross Eligible Content, Descriptors, Anchors and Reporting Categories.
All items align to the Anchor.
Reminder: Have students read all items, especially the open-ended items, carefully and answer exactly what is being asked.
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15. PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Examples of how open-ended items might be phrased:
- Show or explain all your work.
- Show all your work. Explain why you did each step.
- Explain why [something is true or false]
- Describe how [doing something affects
something else; to find something, etc.]
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16. Open-ended Item Example
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Open-ended Item Example
Roy is running for class president. He polls 50 students. 60 percent of them say they will vote for him.
A. There are 350 students in Roy’s class. Based on his survey, how many students should he expect to vote for him? Show or explain all your work.
B. Roy will sell fruit drinks to raise money for his campaign. A fruit drink cost $0.10 and he sells it for $0.50. How many fruit drinks does Roy need to sell to earn $80? Show all your work. Explain why you did each step.
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17. Rubric (for sample item only):
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Rubric (for sample item only):
Part A:
- ½ point for correct answer
- 1 point for complete and correct work OR
½ point for correct but incomplete work
Part B:
- 1 point for correct and compete work OR
½ point for correct but incomplete work.
- 1 point for correct and complete explanation.
½ point for correct but incomplete explanation
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18. Total Points (within) Score (on) 4 4 3-3 ½ 3 2-2 ½ 2 ½-1 ½ 1 0 0
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Rubric Metric
Total Points (within) Score (on)
3-3 ½ 3
2-2 ½ 2
½-1 ½ 1
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19. Some notes about open-ended items:
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Some notes about open-ended items:
Guess and Check is a valid method but at least two incorrect guesses must be shown to receive full credit.
Not all open-ended items require a “why.”
At least half the score points must come from one Anchor. The rest can come from anywhere else.
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20. Can have a “blemish” and still get a 4
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Can have a “blemish” and still get a 4
“e.g. missing $” may or may not be a blemish depending on the item and grade.
If an answer box is given the answer does not have to be in the answer box to receive full credit, but if there is an answer in the answer box it overrides any other answer given.
An incorrect answer carried through correctly will receive full credit for the correct part.
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21. Protractors will be used only for the grade 4 PSSA.
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Rulers and protractors will be provided where needed (grades 3 and 4 respectively). Students must use the rulers and protractors provided for the PSSA.
Rulers will be used in grade 3 only and will be scaled to the ⅛ inch and millimeter. Students will be required to measure to the ¼ inch and centimeter.
Protractors will be used only for the grade 4 PSSA.
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22. Cannot use calculators. Answers marked in test booklet.
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Grade 3
Cannot use calculators.
Answers marked in test booklet.
Grade 4 and up:
Calculators are permitted on all but the beginning few items.
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23. PSSA ELA Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
English Language Arts (ELA) Test Design
English Language Arts (ELA) Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
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24. PSSA Science Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Science Test Design
Science Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
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25. Keystone Exams Keystone Exams
Test Designs: Algebra I, Biology, Literature
Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content
Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS)
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26. For more information on Getting Ready for the State Assessments please visit PDE’s Assessment and Accountability webpages.
The mission of the department is to academically prepare children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. The department seeks to ensure that the technical support, resources and opportunities are in place for all students, whether children or adults, to receive a high quality education.
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