Presentation Transcript

1. Pennsylvania State Assessments 2013 - 2014
2. Presentation Content New This Year Important Dates Standards/Anchors/Resource Materials Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT) PSSA Math, Reading, Writing, and Science Keystone Exams Accommodations PASA Math, Reading and Science ACCESS for ELLs NAEP Monitoring Coming in 2015 Contact Information
3. New This Year Questions on Accountability, contact: ra-pas@pa.gov ra-paprofile@pa.gov
4. New This Year Concussions and participation if a student has been diagnosed with a concussive injury and there is medical documentation within 2 weeks of the start of the testing window that states the student may not participate in standardized testing, the student should be coded as “Recent Medical Emergency”. In all other instances involving concussive injuries and student nonparticipation, the student should be coded as “Other”. Marking “Other” has a negative impact on participation rate.
5. New This Year Calculator use Except for the Non-Calculator section of the PSSA Mathematics assessment, as long as the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy is followed, calculators may be used for any part of the following assessments: a. Remaining sections of the PSSA Mathematics assessment (except for Grade 3) b. Algebra I Keystone Exam c. PSSA Science assessment d. Biology Keystone Exam
6. New This Year Affirmation of Code of Conduct for Test Takers beginning with the 2013-2014 PSSA and the spring 2013-2014 Keystone Exams the following will be added to the answer book for the student response— By marking this bubble, I verify that I understand the “Code of Conduct for Test Takers” that my test administrator has reviewed with me. For the online mode there will be a question at the end of the test after the student clicks Complete, Yes or No: I understand the “Code of Conduct for Test Takers” that my test administrator has reviewed with me. Added in all “Directions for Administration”: it is essential that all students understand the importance of each point in the code of conduct before testing begins.
7. New This Year Additions for test administration: Added to the “Handbook for Assessment Coordinators” in the Procedures for Completing the Materials Accountability Form: in the interest of test security it is of the utmost importance that the District Assessment Coordinator, School Assessment Coordinator, and persons responsible for handling test materials can account for these materials at all times. Failure to account for and return (see Part VIII—Return of Assessment Materials) test materials can result in serious consequences as this may present a breach in test security. References in the Keystone Exam’s “Handbook for Assessment Coordinators” and all Keystone Exams’ “Directions for Administration” indicate each module must be scheduled as a separate exam session. Modules may be scheduled AM and PM of the same day or on separate days.
8. New This Year Additions for test administration: Added to the Ethical Standards for Test Administration” in the DO section of During Test Administration: during active monitoring ensure that students are working in the correct section/module and that they are bubbling in answers in the correct section of the answer book for the section of the test book in which they are working. Be cautious in redirecting or assisting students that you are not violating test security by “coaching” (see DO NOT list below). In the “Directions for Administration” for the 2013-2014 Keystone Exams and forward in all DFAs students will be told when they complete a section to make sure they have completely erased any changed responses and stray marks. Currently, they are only given the direction to erase when they are told five minutes is remaining in the section.
9. New This Year Additions for test administration: In the “Directions for Administration” for the 2013-2014 Keystone Exams and forward in all DFAs, test administrators will be directed to collect test booklets and answer booklets when the students have completed the section and not wait until all students have completed the section. All test certifications have been revised. A new General Certification has been developed to be used with individuals who are not covered by the other certifications. These individuals include secretarial staff, custodial staff, etc.
10. New This Year Additions for test administration: Scoring guidelines will be included separately with the secure test materials. PDE has the test contractor prepare a report for each LEA on excessive logins by the same student to an online assessment. Please keep a record of system failures such as loss of internet connection, etc., to answer any questions your LEA may have.
11. New This Year Demographic pages School must complete the “Complete for All Students” on page 1 of the demographic pages for the Keystone Exams and the same information regarding enrolled in Keystone course in eDirect for the online mode. The Not Enrolled bubble should be used for students who are taking the Keystone Exams strictly for accountability, and for students retaking a Keystone Exam unless the students are enrolled in the course again. If a school has more than one course that might be used as a Keystone Exam, e.g., Algebra A and Algebra B, the district/school must decide which course is to be designated as the Keystone Exam course. It is important one of these bubbles is marked for each student because the information is used for PVAAS calculations.
12. New This Year Pennsylvania Core Standards (PCS) aligned content in embedded field test items. Standalone writing field test, grades 6-8. Video Sign Language (VSL) version Updated and revised Pennsylvania State Test Administration Training (PSTAT). One-to-one online interactive trainingfor Test Administrators Self-check quiz at end Certificate of Completion www.pssatraining.com
13. Important Dates Keystone Exams Testing Window Winter: Wave 1: December 2-13, 2013 Wave 2: January 8-22, 2014 Spring: May 12-23, 2014 Summer: July 28-August 1, 2014
14. Important Dates PSSA Writing Field Test, February 3-14, grades 6-8. PSSA Math/Reading, March 17-28, grades 3-8. Make-up for Math/Reading, March 31-April 4, grades 3-8. PSSA Writing, March 31-April 4, grades 5 & 8. Make-up for Writing, April 7-11, grades 5 & 8. PSSA Science, April 28-May 2, grades 4 & 8. Make-up for Science, May 5-9, grades 4 & 8.
15. Important Dates ACCESS for ELLs, January 27 - March 7, grades K-12. NAEP, January 27-March 7, grades 4, 8, & 12. PASA Reading/Math, February 17 – March 28, grades 3-8 & 11. PASA Science, February 17 – May 19, grades 4 & 8.
16. PA Standards PA Academic Content Standards and Assessment Anchors are available on the PDE website. PA Core Standards (draft) and Assessment Anchors are available on the PDE and SAS websites.
17. The Taxonomy of Assessment Anchor Content Standards Content Area Grade Level Reporting Category Assessment Anchor Content Standards (Assessment Anchors) Assessment Anchor Descriptor Eligible Content
18. Assessment Anchor Coding S4.A.1.1.1 Eligible Content Science Grade Level Assessment Anchor Descriptor Reporting Category Assessment Anchor
19. Important Features to Know e.g.-The list is made up of examples but are not limited to those given i.e.-The list is limited to those specific examples given
20. Important Features to Know or-a student can be assessed on all or just some of the elements in the Eligible Content and-theintentis to assess each element in the Eligible Content
21. Resource Materials Item and Scoring Samplers Performance Level Descriptors Detailed description of Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic Performance Level Cut Scores PSSA Assessment Handbook for all content areas 2014 “Getting Ready” Power Point
22. Classroom Diagnostic Tools The Pennsylvania Department of Education has completed development of the Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDTs) to support teachers and students in grades 6 through 12 in Mathematics, Reading/Literature and Science. These tools - available at no cost to districts - are fully integrated and aligned to the Standards Aligned System (SAS) and enable educators to identify a student’s academic strengths and areas of need as well as links to classroom resources. CDT grades 3-5 is currently being field tested and will be available operationally in Spring 2014.

23. Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

24. PSSA MathAssessment2014
25. Math 2014 Criterion Referenced Five Reporting Categories - Numbers and Operations - Measurement - Geometry - Algebra - Data Analysis
26. Math 2014 Studentscore comes from: - 60 multiple choice questions - Three open-ended questions Studentstake: - 72 multiple choice in grades 3 - 8 - Four open-ended questions All grades will alternate subject areas with Math coming first.
27. Math 2014 Scores come from the COMMON ONLY.
28. Math 2014 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 through 8. See Resource Materials on our web site for the formula sheets and item samplers
29. Item Specifics Multiple choice items based on Eligible Content* Open-ended items based on Anchor (Verbs come from Anchor, Anchor Descriptor or Eligible Content; Content comes from Eligible Content.) Reminder: Have students read the OE items carefully and answer exactly what is being asked. *All items based on the PCS may cross Eligible Content and Anchors and Reporting Categories.
30. Item Specifics Examples of how OE 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.]
31. Math 2014 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.
32. Math 2014 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: - 1/2 point for correct answer - 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.
33. Math 2014 Rubric Metric: Total Points (within) Score (on) 4 4 3 – 3 ½ 3 2 – 2 ½ 2 ½ - 1 ½ 1 0 0
34. Math 2014 Some notes about open-ended items: - Guess and Check is a valid method but at least twoincorrect 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 in that Reporting Category.
35. Math 2014 Can have a “blemish” and still get a score of 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.
36. Math 2014 Testing time is approximately 150-180 minutes for Math. Testing in Grades 3 - 8.
37. Math 2014 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 ⅛inch and millimeter. Students will be required to measure to the ¼ inch and centimeter. Protractors will be used at grade 4 only.
38. Math 2014 Calculator Policy The PSSA is designed so that calculators are not necessary for students to be successful. If students choose to use a calculator on the portions of the PSSA for which calculators are permitted then they must adhere to the guidelines listed below. It is incumbent upon the school test coordinator to ensure that all calculator policies are implemented and followed, including making sure calculators have no programs stored in their memory. Please note that if a student wants to restore the deleted programs he or she will have to back them up prior to the assessment.
39. Math 2014 The following are NOT allowed for the PSSA or Keystones: Non-calculators such as cell phones, smart phones, laptops, PDAs, pocket organizers, tablets, etc. Beaming capabilities. (These must be disabled.) Wireless communication technologies. Calculators having wireless communication technologies may be used if those technologies are disabled. Calculators with QWERTY keyboards or other typewriter-like keyboards or keypads (e.g. Dvorak).
40. Math 2014 The following are NOT allowed for the PSSA or Keystones: Calculators with built in Computer Algebra Systems – CAS. Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, need to be plugged in or talk unless these specific calculators are required as an accommodation. (Please refer to the Accommodations Guidelines.) Sharing calculators by students during a test session. All programs/information stored in a calculator. These must be deleted prior to using that calculator on any section of the PSSA. Typically these are graphing calculators but scientific calculators may also contain stored programs.
41. Math 2014 This is intended to be a general description of what is not allowed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of specific calculators, devices or technologies that cannot be used on the PSSA. As technology changes this policy will be reviewed and may also change. The current Pennsylvania Calculator Policy is available on our website.
42. Math 2014 Grade 3: CANNOT use calculators Answers marked in test booklet Grade 4 and up: Calculators ARE permitted on all but the beginning few items.*
43. Math Test Blueprint(May vary according to the items available.)
44. Math Performance Level Cut Scores
45. PSSAREADINGASSESSMENT2014
46. About the Eligible Content The Eligible Content at each grade level shows the range of knowledge and skills drawn upon to design the PSSA for that grade level. Examining the Eligible Content across grade levels shows the progression of expectations from one grade to the next.
47. About the Test Three Reading Sections on the PSSA Math and Reading sections alternate - Math: Sections 1, 3, 5 - Reading: Sections 2, 4, 6 Alignment with PA Academic Standards: Assesses knowledge and skills described in the Assessment Anchor Content Standards Target Passage Types - Eligible passage genres identified at each grade level
48. Grade 3 Three sessions Sections 2, 4, & 6 (alternates w/Math) Approximately 40-70 minutes each Target Passage Types for Common Passages - Two Stories - One Poem - One Informational - One Autobiography/Biography or one Practical/How-to/Advertisement 56 multiple-choice items(40 common items) 5 open-ended items: 3 short answer (2 common) and 2 evidence –based selected-responses (EBSR). Students write ALL answers in test booklet
49. Grade 3 Test Format
50. Grades 4-8 Three sessions Sections 2, 4, & 6 (alternates w/Math) Approximately 45-85 minutes each Target Passage Types (mix varies by grade) - Story - Poem - Informational - Autobiography/Biography - Practical/How-to/Advertisement - Essay/Editorial (grades 5-8) 56 Multiple-choice items (40 common items) 7 Open-ended items: 4 short answer (all common items), 2 evidence-based selected responses, and 1 text dependent analysis. Students write answers in answer booklet
51. Grades 4–8 Test Format
52. Reading Reporting Clusters
53. Genre Coverage
54. Level Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Advanced 1442  and up 1469 and up 1497  and up 1456 and up 1470 and up 1473  and up Proficient 1235- 1441 1255- 1468 1275- 1496 1278- 1455 1279- 1469 1280- 1472 Basic 1168- 1234 1112- 1254 1137- 1274 1121- 1277 1131- 1278 1146- 1279 Below Basic 1000-1167 700-1111 700- 1136 700- 1120 700- 1130 700- 1145 Reading Scale Score Ranges by Performance Level and Grade
55. Not the Same! Performance Level Descriptors Advanced Proficient Basic Below Basic Scores on Open-Ended Reading Questions 3 points 2 points 1 point 0 points ≠ 1) Scores on open-ended questions contribute to a student’s raw score. 2) The student’s raw score is converted to a scale score. 3) The student’s scale score is interpreted as a Performance Level.
56. Grade 4 Multiple Choice Question (1 point)
57. Grade 4 Online Multiple Choice Question (1 point)
58. Grade 4 Open-Ended Question (3 points)
59. Grade 4 Online Open-Ended Question (3 points)
60. Grade 7 Selected Response (3 points)
61. Grade 7 Online Selected Response (3 points)
62. Grade 7 Online Selected Response (3 points)
63. Grade 4 Selected Response (3 points)
64. Grade 4 Online Selected Response (3 points)
65. Grade 4 Online Selected Response (3 points)

66. English Language Learners(ELLs)

67. Student’s English Language Learner (ELL) statuses: ELL and enrolled in a U.S. school afterMay 3, 2013 (previous enrollment in Puerto Rico is not considered as enrollment in U.S. schools) – Excused from PSSA Reading. ELL and enrolled in a U.S. school on or beforeMay 3, 2013 – Must take all PSSA subjects. Exited an ESL/bilingual program and in the first year of monitoring – Must take all PSSA subjects. Exited an ESL/bilingual program and in the second year of monitoring – Must take all PSSA subjects. Former English Language Learner and no longer monitored.
68. ELLs and PSSA Reading Students who are expected to exit LEP (ESL) services, even in their first year in a U.S. school, should take the PSSA Reading test.  This is because PSSA Reading test scores are used as part of the exit criteria for those services.  Students who do not take the PSSA will not have the opportunity to register a PSSA score for program exit. Accommodations for ELLs are in the 2013-2014 Assessment Handbook for ELLs posted on the PDE website.
69. PSSAWritingAssessment2014
70. Writing 2014 Alignment: PA Academic Standards 1.4 & 1.5 (not the PCS) All Students in Grades 5, 8 Exceptions: ELL students in first 12 months and PASA students ( PASA students take a teacher created and scored alternate writing test based on IEP goals, stored in the IEP folder) Multiple-Choice: measure conventions Writing Prompts: measure composition skills and conventions Mode-specific Scoring Guidelines for composition Conventions scored separately
71. 2014 Writing Test Format
72. 2014 Writing Test Format Online: 3 sections (may administer sections 1 & 2 in same session) Responses selected and typed on computer Scratch paper and pencil for pre-writing should be provided 3,000 characters space for each grade 5 prompt 5,000 characters space for each grade 8 prompt Online test tutorial has same number of characters available Paper Pencil: 3 sections (may administer sections 1 & 2 in same session) Responses marked/written in test booklet Scratch paper for pre-writing should be provided 2 lined pages for each prompt response
73. How Are Responses Scored? Writing prompt responses scored by hand (with 10 percent read twice) Focus, Content, Organization and Style Scored holistically using the 1-4 pts. Mode-specific Scoring Guidelines Editing and Revising Scored separately using the 1-4 pts. Conventions Scoring Guidelines Non-scorable: Illegible; incoherent; insufficient; blank paper Off-prompt: Still receives a Conventions score Off-mode: Loss of one point in Composition score Bubbled multiple choice responses Machine scored; 1 pt. each
74. Writing Score Points

75. Standalone Writing Field TestGrades 6 - 8February 3 - 14, 2014

76. Who Takes the Field Test? All schools will receive the field test booklets for grades 6-8 (no online available) Participation is strongly recommended All materials are secure and must be returned to DRC Exceptions: - ELL students in first 12 months - PASA students
77. Field Test Design Paper and pencil only Time: Approximately 54-69 minutes One section - 24 Multiple Choice - language skills - 1 Writing Prompt - Composition - Any three modes (narrative, informative, argumentative)
78. Field Test Writing Scoring Guidelines New Writing Scoring Guidelines have been drafted Hand-scored Holistic scoring (conventions included in score) 1- 4 pts.
79. Sample Grade 8 Language Multiple Choice (1 pt.)
80. Sample Grade 7 Writing Prompt (4 pts.)
81. Sample Grade 7 Text Dependent Analysis Essay (4 pts.)
82. How Are TDA Responses Scored? New TDA Scoring Guidelines have been drafted Hand-scored Holistic scoring (includes text analysis and compositional scoring) 4 pts.
83. Coming in 2015 Writing will be a part of the ELA test Grades 3-8 All grades will be assessed on writing composition All grades eligible for three modes All language items are standalone multiple choice Text Dependent Analysis will be a part of the ELA test Grades 4-8 TDA prompt will be associated with a reading passage TDA essay response will be scored on text analysis and on writing compositional skills
84. PSSA Science Assessment2014
85. PSSA Science 2014 All students in grades 4and 8 Exception: PASA students
86. PSSA Science 2014 Criterion Reference Four Reporting Categories - The Nature of Science - Biological Sciences - Physical Sciences - Earth and Space Sciences Embedded Field Test Open-Ended items scored on a 0-2 Item-specific scoring guidelines
87. PSSA Science 2014 District and School Reporting A. The Nature of Science 1. Reasoning and Analysis 2. Processes, Procedures, and Tools of Scientific Investigation 3. Systems, Models, and Patterns
88. PSSA Science 2014 District and School Reporting B. Biological Sciences 1. Structure and Function of Organisms 2. Continuity of Life 3. Ecological Behavior and Systems
89. PSSA Science 2014 District and School Reporting C. Physical Sciences 1. Structure, Properties and Interactions of Matter 2. Forms, Sources, Conversions, and Transfer of Energy 3. Principles of Force and Motion
90. PSSA Science 2014 District and School Reporting D. Earth and Space Sciences 1. Earth Features and Processes that Change Earth and Its Resources 2. Weather, Climate, and Atmospheric Processes 3. Composition and Structure of the Universe
91. PSSA Science 2014 Science Test Composition 50%Nature of Science (Inquiry) 50%Biological Science Physical Science Earth and Space Sciences (Content)
92. PSSA Science 2014 Test Blueprint
93. PSSA Science Performance Level Cut Scores
94. PSSA Science 2014 Student score comes from: Grades 4 and 8 - 58 Multiple Choice items - Five open-ended items (two points each)
95. PSSA Science 2014 Total number of items: Grade 4 - 68 Multiple Choice Items - Seven open-ended Items Grade 8 - 70 Multiple Choice Items - Seven open-ended Items

96. Keystone Exams

97. Keystone Exams Offered three times each year – winter, spring and summer Offered in Algebra I, Biology and Literature Students can retake them until they score at the proficient level Project-Based Assessment – contact respective IU curriculum office or email the SAS helpdesk at helpdesk@pdesas.org
98. Who Takes the Keystones? All students in Grade 11 who have not already taken a Keystone Exam in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature All students who will complete a Biology course this school year All students who will complete an Algebra I course this year All students who will complete coursework that covers the content of the Literature Exam this year
99. Keystones and Regulations Students must take the Keystone Exams to meet class of 2017 graduation requirements under Chapter 4 Regulations. Students must take the Keystone Exams to meet federal accountability requirements.

100. Keystone Algebra I Exam

101. Keystone Algebra I Two modules Each Module has 30 points – 18 from multiple choice and 12 from open-ended Each open-ended is worth four points Some open-ended will be machine scored Students in the class of 2017 must score at the proficient or advanced level to graduate
102. Keystone Algebra I Modules are scored separately and can be passed separately Students must score proficient (or higher) on the entire exam but not necessarily pass each module If a student retakes the exam the highest score on each module will count
103. Keystone Algebra I – What It Measures
104. Keystone Algebra I – Test Format
105. Keystone Algebra I – Point Distribution
106. Keystone Algebra I – Estimated Time

107. Keystone Literature Exam

108. Keystone Exams will be used for three purposes: - Federal Accountability as per ESEA Flexibility Waiver requirements - Chapter 4 requirement that the class of 2017 and beyond must demonstrate proficiency for the purpose of earning a PA high school diploma - State Accountability as per new School Performance Profile (SPP) requirements
109. The Literature Keystone Exam will assess students’ mastery of the Literature Assessment Anchors as defined by the Eligible Content and will be aligned to the Concepts and Competencies.
110. Types of questions and number of questions covered in the Literature Keystone Exam operational form. * Number of passages
111. Types of questions and number of points covered in the Literature Keystone Exam operational form. There will be a total of 52 points (Module 1 and Module 2 combined), with approximately 65 percent multiple-choice points and 35 percent constructed-response points.
112. Estimated time a typical student would need to complete Module 1 and Module 2 of the Literature Keystone Exam operational form.
113. Keystone Biology Exam
114. Keystone Biology Exam Three purposes: - Federal Accountability as per ESEA Flexibility Waiver requirements - Proposed state requirement that the class of 2017 and beyond must demonstrate proficiency for the purpose of earning a PA high school diploma - State Accountability as per new School Performance Profile (SPP) requirements
115. Keystone Biology Exam The Biology Keystone Exam will measure the Biology Assessment Anchors as defined by the Eligible Content and will be aligned to the Concepts and Competencies
116. Keystone Biology Exam Eligible Content may be assessed using knowledge and/or skills associated with the Nature of Science
117. Keystone Biology Exam
118. Keystone Biology Exam
119. Keystone Biology Exam
120. Keystone Biology Exam
121. Accommodations
122. Accommodations for State Assessments Training and guidelines posted on PDE website. Accommodations Training for PSSA and Keystone Exams. 2014 Keystone & PSSA Accommodations Guidelines 2014 English Language Learners Guidelines 2014 Read-Aloud Guidelines Video Sign Language (VSL) version new this year PASA Accommodations - www.pasaassessment.org
123. Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
124. Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) Math & Reading: Feb 17 – Mar 28, 2014 Science: February 17 – May 9, 2014 Writing: No statewide test form; individually created (by teacher), scored (by teacher), and stored (in IEP folder) Who participates in the PASA? Grades 3-8 and 11 Students with a significant cognitive disability
125. PASA Participation Guidelines Student must meet all 6 eligibility criteria Guidelines are posted on PASA website and on PDE Special Education website See PDE Bureau of Special Education assessment page for more information.
126. PASA Contact Information Who manages the test? PASA Project at the University of Pittsburgh http://www.pasaassessment.org/ (412) 648-7363 All test materials are shipped from and returned to PASA Project
127. ACCESS FOR ELLsEnglish Language ProficiencyASSESSMENT2014
128. What is the ACCESS for ELLs? ACCESS for ELLs is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment. PDE is a member of the WIDA Consortium, which maintains the test. The ACCESS for ELLs tests students’ Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills for social and academic purposes. More information on the WIDA and PA ELP standards and performance level descriptors can be found at the WIDA website, http://www.wida.us/standards/elp.aspx.
129. ACCESS for ELLs Test Window January 27-March 7, 2014
130. Who takes the ACCESS? Students designated as LEP (Limited English Proficiency), also referred to as ELLs (English Language Learners), must take the ACCESS for ELLs. Every ELL, grades K-12, participates in the ACCESS for ELLs testing.
131. ACCESS for ELLs Participants All currentELLs, K-12 Notformer ELLs (exited and in year one or year two of monitoring, or no longer in monitoring)
132. Student’s English Language Learner (ELL) status: Current ELLs (PIMS field 41 is coded “01”) take ACCESS for ELLs. Date of first enrollment in a U.S. school does not affect participation.  All current ELLs, K-12, take ACCESS for ELLs. Former ELL, exited an ESL/bilingual program, and in the first year of monitoring. – DO NOT take ACCESS for ELLs. Former ELL, exited an ESL/bilingual program, and in the second year of monitoring. – DO NOT take ACCESS for ELLs.
133. What about ELLs with IEPs or 504 Plans? All ELLs, grades K-12, participate in the ACCESS. This includes ELLs with IEPs and/or 504 plans. ELLs with IEPs and/or 504 plans should receive appropriate accommodations. Accommodations must be documented in the IEP and must not invalidate the testing construct. Check the ACCESS for ELLs Test Administration Manual, the Special Instructions for PA (goldenrod) sheet, and/or the ACCESS for ELLs Guidelines for Accommodating English Language Learners with Disabilities for more information (http://www.wida.us/assessment/ACCESS/)
134. What about ELLs who qualify for the PASA? All students identified as ELLs (grades K-12) must be assessed annually for English language proficiency, including ELLs who qualify for the PASA. (NCLB; 2001) Students with disabilities must participate in state-wide and district-wide assessment programs, including alternate assessments with appropriate accommodations. (IDEA; 2004) In order to meet federal and state accountability requirements and to provide educators with a measure sensitive to English language proficiency growth of ELLs with significant cognitive disabilities, an Alternate ACCESSfor ELLs is available for students with severe cognitive disabilities who are eligible
135. What is the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs? Assessment of English language proficiency (ELP) for students in grades 1-12 who are classified as English Language Learners (ELLs) and have significant cognitive disabilities that prevent their meaningful participation in the ACCESS for ELLs® assessment.
136. Who should take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs? The decision about participation in the standard statewide assessment (ACCESS for ELLs) or the alternate statewide assessment (Alternate ACCESS for ELLs) is made by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Only students who meet all three criteria below can participate in the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs: the student is classified as an English language learner. The student has significant cognitive disabilities. The student is in an alternate curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards and will participate in the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment.
137. Who can administer the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs? Test administrators must meet the following test administrator eligibility criteria: Test administrators must be certified teachers. Certified teachers must have knowledge of the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment levels of English language proficiency and Pennsylvania English Language Proficiency Standards (PA ELPS) and must have experience teaching English language learners. Certified teachers must be familiar with the student’s communication style. Special education and/or ESL teachers are strongly recommended as test administrators of the Alternate ACCESS. A reading specialist or any certified teacher who meets these criteria is eligible to administer the assessment. Paraprofessionals and personal care assistants are not eligible to administer the Alternate ACCESS.
138. How can I learn more about the ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs? Check the ESL Portal to register for upcoming webinar trainings addressing administration of the ACCESS for ELLs, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, and the test ordering process: http://www.eslportalpa.info/index.cfm?pageid=2703 Contact Linda Long (lilong@pa.gov) or Tami Shaffer (tshaffer@pa.gov) in the Bureau of Teaching and Learning .
139. Who produces the ACCESS for ELLs? Pennsylvania participates in the WIDA Consortium; the Consortium provides professional development and test administration training, and also manages test development. Distribution, scoring and score reporting are accomplished by a WIDA contractor, Metritech. More information is available at www.wida.us, by emailing help@wida.us, or by calling toll free 1-866-276-7735.
140. Who oversees the ACCESS for ELLs in PA? Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support in cooperation with PDE’s Bureau of Assessment and Accountability oversee the ACCESS for ELLs in Pennsylvania. Contact Linda Long (lilong@pa.gov) or Tami Shaffer (tshaffer@pa.gov) in the Bureau of Teaching and Learning . Visit the WIDA website for more information about ACCESS for ELLs and other services for English Language Learners: www.wida.us
141. National Assessment of Educational Progress
142. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) NAEP is a congressionally mandated project overseen by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to continuously monitor the knowledge, skills, and performance of the nation’s children and youth. As the “Nation’s Report Card” it measures and reports on a regular basis what America’s students know and can do in core subjects like reading, mathematics, and science. NAEP uses a carefully designed sampling process to ensure that the schools and students selected are representative of all students across the United States. http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard
143. NAEP in Pennsylvania 2014 44 schools have been selected and are required to participate this school year. Testing window is January 27 to March 7, 2014 Grades tested are 4, 8 and 12. NAEP 2014 will assess students in Social Studies-Grade 8 (U.S. History, Geography and Civics), Technology and Engineering Literacy-Grade 8 and the Science Pilot-Grades 4, 8 and 12.
144. Note: Results are expected to be released following resolution of the federal shutdown.
145. NAEP 2014-Social Studies Nationally, approximately 26,000 students in eighth grade will be assessed in U.S History, Geography and Civics. Students will spend about 90 minutes completing the assessment, including transition time and directions. They will be asked to complete a questionnaire that aims to get a better understanding of their educational experiences, such as the amount of reading they do and the types of classes they take.
146. NAEP 2014-Technology and Engineering Literacy Nationally, approximately 20,000 eighth-grade students will participate in the TEL assessment. Thirty students in each selected school will be assessed. The assessment will be administered in two sequential sessions of approximately 15 students each. Students will spend about 120 minutes completing the assessment, including transition time and directions. This assessment contains problem-solving tasks based on interactive scenarios reflecting realistic situations, and multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
147. NAEP 2014-Science Pilot Nationally, approximately 4,000 students in grades 4, 8, and 12 will be assessed within the Science Pilot. Students will spend between 90 and 120 minutes completing the items, including transition time and directions. The Science Pilot will consist only the paper and pencil version only. The Hands On Task (HOT) and Science Interactive Computer Tasks (ICT) components of the pilot have been postponed.
148. Monitoring
149. Monitoring In 2007 PDE began monitoring schools and districts regarding PSSA test security, administration, etc. This process will continue in 2013-14. All visits will be unannounced. Letters detailing monitoring visit results will be mailed to district/school administration as soon as possible following each visit.
150. Coming in 2015 Grades 3 – 8 Reading and Writing transitioning to ELA Grades 3 – 8 Math and ELA based on PCS Separate booklets for Math and ELA
151. Contact Information Assessment Division Chief, Ray Young. 717-783-6633; rayyoung@pa.gov Kerry Helm, PSSA Reading, ELLs, Keystone Lit., PSTAT Training, Test Security. 717-783-6538; khelm@pa.gov Drew Schuckman, NAEP Coordinator. 717-787-4865; dschuckman@pa.gov Diane Simaska, PSSA Writing, Accommodations, Keystone Lit.717-346-8064; dsimaska@pa.gov Charlie Wayne, PSSA Math, Keystone Algebra I, Test Security. 717-783-0358; cwayne@pa.gov Craig Weller, PSSA Science, Keystone Biology, Keystone & PSSA Monitoring. 717-525-5825; crweller@pa.gov
152. Questions