1. TESTING

2. League of Women Voters of Orange County Nonpartisan since 1920 Takes positions after study. Promotes principles of good governance. Educates and informs citizens about voting, issues and candidates. Encourages active participation of citizens in government.

3. League Education Committee 2013 Statewide study of charter schools and schools of choice 2014 Study of K – 12 testing 2015 Sharing testing information

4. Key Questions 1.Why are people so upset about testing? 2.Testing – How much is taking place? 3.What are High Stakes tests? 4.Who decides about testing? 5.What are major concerns about testing? 6.What can we do?

5. Why are people so upset about testing? One test determines failure in 3 rd grade. One language arts test and one Algebra I test determine HS graduation. Some tests considered inappropriate in early grades and for some subjects. Tests focus narrows curriculum and creativity.

6. Required standardized tests are taking time from teaching and learning

9. Testing has always been part of school so what is different today? Types of tests – Teacher created tests For subjects and students they teach. – Standardized tests Written by outside experts Same test is given to all students at a certain grade or taking a particular subject. Levels of success are determined by outsiders

10. Standardized Tests 1.Vastly increased. 2.Required by Legislature and School Board at every grade level. 3.Results applied beyond evaluating student learning. 4.Proficiency levels determined post test. 5.New tests not field tested 6.Often inappropriate for age and subject

11. Testing Acronyms FSA Florida Standards Assessment – covers English language arts, writing and math FCAT 2.0 – Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test – replaced this spring with FSA except for assessments in science for grades 5 & 8 EOC – End of Course standardized tests – every subject will have an EOC FLKRS - Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener FAIR - Florida Assessment in Reading – K - 2

12. What Are High Stakes Tests? All tests are used to determine achievement – Scores at Level 1 or 2 in ELA or math means a remedial course the next school year Many of the standardized tests are called High Stakes due to way the results are used. Very High Stakes tests occur at grade levels from K - 12

13. The High Stakes – PreK and K – FLKRS, the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener, is given to all K students during the first 30 days of K – FLKRS measures overall development and readiness for Kindergarten. – The FLKRS is also used to measure how well a Voluntary PreK provider prepares 4-year-olds to be ready for kindergarten K-2 Standardized Testing – FAIR, Florida Assessment in Reading, supposed to be given 3 times a year. – given by teacher to individual students on computer; – it takes about 45 minutes per per student

14. The High Stakes - 3 rd Grade Promotion to 4 th grade requires Passing 3 rd grade FSA ELA Score of 2 or better OR Alternative test or portfolio Summer school & test retake

15. The High Stakes – 5 th grade Results on the ELA Florida Standards Assessment will determine whether a student must take remedial courses or be able to choose electives in middle school

16. The High Stakes – Middle and High School EOCs, End of Course, standardized exams – State EOCs written by testing experts – Other EOCs written by teachers – not field tested State requires an EOC for every course, K-12 – including band, art, PE, etc. Electives eliminated or consolidated due to no EOCs State EOCs count 30% of the course grade in middle and high school, no matter the class performance Other EOCs count for 20% of the class grade in Orange Co.

17. The High Stakes – H.S. Graduation Graduation Requirement: Passing results on two standardized tests: FSA English Language Arts and Algebra I. Passing: Level 3 or better FSA ELA is given in 10 th grade. Algebra I is given at the end of this required course. Each test may be taken repeatedly until passed.

18. The High Stakes – Teachers and Administrators School FSA and EOC results are used in evaluating teachers, administrators, principals, all professional staff. These school results are also used in evaluating teachers such as library media specialists, curriculum resource teachers, etc. 30% - 50% of the evaluations are based on test scores.

19. The High Stakes – School Grades FSA and EOC standardized tests help determine school grades, K – 12. School grade can affect property. values and teacher hiring & retention. Grades can affect staff, student, parent morale. We’re an F School!

20. High Stakes Tests Take Teaching and Learning Time Additional pre-tests to ensure success. Selected populations of students tested more. More complex tests need more prep time. Computer skills needed. Classes are disrupted as students move to use computers & take multiple tests.

21. FSA Elementary Example

22. FSA Middle School Example Students read a passage about Jim Bridger Place the phrases about Jim Bridger’s life in the correct locations on the timeline.

23. Student reads lengthy passage about two girls going to ocean. Place the characteristics that describe the narrator, Cassie, or both in the diagram in the correct locations.

24. Who Makes Testing Decisions? Much of the current testing frenzy has been developed based on requirements of the Federal programs No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. Florida Legislators have added tests to assure accountability. Districts have added tests to assure success on State tests.

25. Recent News about Testing 1.Review of standardized testing encouraged by Governor, Education Commissioner, and even some legislators. 2.Committee formed by Commissioner Stewart 3.Various powerful education groups have included concerns in their legislative priorities. 4.School grades exempt this year from consequences for poor performance. 5.Orange County teachers exempt for three years from consequences – not students.

26. Major Concerns Loss of instruction time due to preparing for & taking tests. No field testing of new tests. Inappropriate tests at early grades 3 rd grade failure based on one test. H.S. Graduation based on two tests. EOCs impact class grades 20% and 30%.

27. Concerns Cont’d Test scores used to evaluate teachers and administrators School grades depend on test scores Tests, test scoring, prep materials, etc. are costing taxpayers a fortune. Curriculum does not include typing and keyboarding computer skills Funds not provided for tests, computers, prep materials, etc. Standardized testing narrows education.

28. What Can You Do about Testing Concerns? Call or write your legislators to express your concerns. Call or write your School Board member to tell them what you think. Contact Commissioner Stewart and Legislators with your concerns. Visit any of the above, if you can.

29. Websites Legislators: www.flsenate.gov www.myfloridahouse.gov OCPS School Board: www.ocps.net Test Information: www.flassessments.org www.fldoeorg