1. Field Tests … Tests of the test questions Jeff Nellhaus, PARCC, Inc. Louisiana Common Core Implementation Conference February 19, 2014 1

2. Provide information about the … – PARCC consortium – Design of the PARCC assessment system – Spring 2014 Field tests Hear your comments and suggestions Answer questions Purpose of the session 2

3. PPT Presentation Understanding the PARCC Field Test (2-pager) List of Field Test Training Modules Checklist for Getting Read Handouts 3

4. The PARCC Consortium 17 states and the District of Columbia Led by Chief State School Officers of governing states 11 million students in tested grades 2

5. 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 PARCC’s Priorities 3 Develop and Implement a High Quality Assessment System

6. The PARCC Assessment System more than just a test Beginning of School YearEnd of School Year Diagnostic Assessment Mid-Year Assessment Performance- Based Assessment End-of-Year Assessment Speaking and Listening Assessment Formative optional Summative required Flexible scheduling 4 Legend

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

8. Grades 2-8 Reading, Writing, Mathematics Computer-based, adaptive Designed to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses Focus of Formative Components Diagnostic AssessmentsMid-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

9. 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 Purpose of Field Tests The field tests are designed to generate data to evaluate the quality of the test questions 9

10. Schools in 14 States & DC are Participating in the Field Tests 10 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

11. Students become familiar with new item types and the test delivery platform Teachers provide feedback on the administration Technology Coordinators evaluate their schools’ technology systems Parents learn more about PARCC Administrators evaluate overall staff, student and community readiness Field Tests Benefits 11

12. 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 PARCC is Developing Both Computer- and Paper-Based Tests 12

13. Timeline 2014 13 JanuaryFebMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSept Support for School Staff Regional workshops On-Site Visits Manuals & Training modules Call Center Tools to check computer systems & conduct “dress rehearsals” Practice Tests EOY Field Test May 6– June 6 Research Findings PBA Field Test March 24– April 11

14. Sample items available now! – For students and educators – www.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples www.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples Practice tests coming soon! – For the general public – Available this spring Both sample items and practice 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 Sample Items and Practice Tests 14

15. A tutorial for using TestNav8 is available now for students and educators www.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples www.parcconline.org/computer-based-samples Tutorial for how to use TestNav8 15

16. What’s Next for PARCC 201420152016 SpringSummer/FallWinter/SpringSummerFall Students take field tests PARCC releases practice tests PARCC begins building tests Findings from research reported Mid-year assessments available Students take operational tests Performance level cut scores set Results of first operational assessments released Diagnostic assessments available Colleges & universities use scores to place student into credit- bearing courses 16

17. Transparency and Capacity Resources and On-the-Ground Supports Model Content Frameworks – www.parcconline.org/parcc-model-content-frameworks www.parcconline.org/parcc-model-content-frameworks Test Specifications and Blueprints – http://www.parcconline.org/assessment-blueprints-test-specs http://www.parcconline.org/assessment-blueprints-test-specs Sample items and tutorials for every tested subject and grade – http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/# http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/# Educator Leaders Cadres – Public ELC portal for educator resources! – http://parcc.nms.org/ http://parcc.nms.org/ Test Administration Training Modules – PowerPoint and voice recorded guidance to guide test administration – Register here: parcc.pearson.com/tmsparcc.pearson.com/tms Practice Test – Spring 2014: PARCConline.orgPARCConline.org 14

18. 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!! In conclusion … 18

19. More Information For further details, please visit PARCC online at: www.parcconline.org/field-test www.parcconline.org/field-test 19