Spring 2014 Non-Writing SOL Training

1. Spring 2014Non-Writing SOL Training Presented by: Stephanie E. Haskins April 23, 2014

2. Training Agenda • Spring 2014 Non-Writing Timeline • Testing and Curriculum Resources • Test Security • Role of Examiners • Special Test Accommodations • Reminders for Testing Coordinators • Questions

3. Testing Timeline

4. Resources • School Test Coordinator Handbook • Student Data Upload File Requirements • Test Implementation Manual • Supplement to Test Implementation Manual • Examiner’s Manual • Pearson Access User’s Guide for the Virginia Assessment Program • Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments Guidelines for Administering the Read-Aloud Accommodation • Limited English Proficient Students: Guidelines for Participating in the Virginia Assessment Program

5. Testing Upload • Group Name: Consider how you want score reports to be organized. • Group code: Will NOT appear on printed reports; allows for data sorts; Max 10 characters • Test code: MUST double-check for high-school retesters. • Ethnicity/ Race: Hispanic; 32 categories • ELL information: Test tier, composite, literacy, SOA-LEP, AYP-D • SOA Transfer: Enrolled after 20th day – Sept 19th or after Feb 24th** • AYP: If a student began school ANY day AFTER the first day AND was NOT in our division last year, can be coded as AYP. May disregard reference to “September 30”. • A: within division • B: outside division/ within Virginia • C: outside Virginia • Term grad: Scheduled to graduate by Aug 31, 2014; Assigns equated forms first • Project Graduation: High school only – Refer to definition in TIMS • RP-Code: Genesis • Retest: High school only – if retaking test • Recovery: Reading or Math only – May only be coded Recovery 1 time per test – on FIRST test, following remediation • D-Code: High school only – if pursuing modified standard diploma (needs literacy/ numeracy requirements) • Online Test: Students NOT marked as online should have documented need • Z-Code-A: Parent refusals (refer to additional information) Additions in RED and Deletions in RED

6. Testing Upload

7. Parent Refusals for Testing Refer to supporting documents. - What does it mean for the student? - What does it mean for the school? MUST involve principal conversation with parents, face-to-face meeting preferred. Include in session to mark test complete (5-refusal). Mark Z-Code-A in Student Upload. HB930: Eliminates following tests beginning 2014-2015: Grade 3 Science US History I Grade 3 History US History II Grade 5 Writing

8. Form Matrices 1Main vs. 2Expedited Retake/Alternate vs. 3Third Attempt A maximum of three attempts are available during the fall and summer Non-Writing test administrations. Students must receive remediation prior to being administered a third or fourth test attempt. Only Term Graduates and Project Graduation students should be tested using the Term Graduate forms.

9. Testing Resources Test Implementation Manual: • Page iii: What’s New? • Page xii: Checklist of STC Responsibilities • Page 9: Applications Available for Test Preparation • Page 18: Test Manipulatives • Page 30: Troubleshooting • Appendix A: Test Security • Appendix C: Special Testing Accommodations • Appendix C: Documentation for Need for Paper/Pencil (page 89) • Appendix D: Table of Testing Accommodations (page 94)* • Appendix G: Online Tools

10. Testing Resources Examiner’s Manual: • What’s New? • Applications for Test Preparation • Be Familiar with Directions for Administering Test ** • Online Tools, Icons, Descriptions • Answering Student Questions • Reporting Test Errors • Trouble-shooting Online Testing • Directions for Submitting • Test security • Special Test Accommodations • Checklist of Examiner Responsibilities

11. Testing Memos

12. PearsonAccess™ Enhancements The Unlock User link has been added to the login screen. Unlock User allows a user to unlock their account and reset their password if they accidently locked it with three invalid login attempts. Note: The Unlock User link will not unlock accounts that were manually locked by another user; expired; or deleted.

13. PearsonAccess™ Enhancements

14. Table of Testing Accommodations

15. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/index.shtml • Standards, Curriculum Framework, Blueprint • Sample Lesson Plans • Vocabulary Resources • Sample Text-Dependent Questions • Using Statewide SOL Results to Guide Instruction • Frequently Asked Questions • Released Tests (NOTE: These do NOT align with 2010 standards. New 2010 tests will not be released until 2015.) • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/ • Reading SOL Practice Items* • Reading VMAST Practice Items • Tabbed Reading Passage Demonstration (gr 8 & EOC) • Reading Passage Scrolling Demonstration • Narrated demonstration of TEI Items • Sample Excerpts in Stand-Alone Items Curriculum Resources ~ READING

16. Sample Resources ~ READING Suggested Practice for SOL 10.4b, 10.5f, and 11.5d Students need additional practice drawing inferences using implied and explicit information in fiction and nonfiction texts. Before the Arctic surveyors could continue their work, they had to ensure the safety of the dogs and agree to the terms of exploring unknown, possibly dangerous areas of the tundra. Which feelings are conveyed in this excerpt? consideration optimism indifference fright caution Source: Using Statewide SOL Results to Guide Instruction

17. Sample Resources ~ READING Source: Sample Excerpts in Stand-Alone Items

18. NOTE: Updated correlations for grades 3-8 from VDOE. Other READING Testing Updates:

19. Number of passages on reading SOL tests may vary due to length of passages. There will be at least five passages on an SOL test. • Tests will continue to have 10 field test items, but some tests may have one passage with 10 items and other tests may have two passages with a total of 10 items split between them. • About 15% TEI - technology-enhanced items. These will be more open-ended, and may not require a certain “number” of answers in a response. Example: Which words . . . ? vs. Which two words . . . ? • One Section Reviewscreen at the end of the test with all the reading passages and questions. • NOTE: If TEI questions require a “stated” number of responses and all are not answered, will show as not answered. If TEI items do NOT state a specific number of responses, will show as answered. • Tabbed presentation of paired reading passages in middle school and EOC. • Grade 3 Reading: The grade 3 Reading test has TWO sections and is administered over TWO days. Be sure to STOP after Section 1! Other READING Testing Updates:

20. Transition from “basic comprehension skills” to literary analysis – Use language from text to answer all questions; Examine the author’s style of writing and form reading-writing connections • Teach nonfiction – very important, at ALL levels • Pair fiction and non-fiction passages • Teach roots and affixes – these will be tested as stand-alone AND related to a passage • Study vocabulary • Pull passages from content texts • Ask reading comprehension questions • Research (tested in grade 3 reading; tested in writing in all other grades). Other READING Instructional Reminders:

21. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml • Standards, Curriculum Framework, Blueprint • Sample Lesson Plans • Instructional Videos • Instructional Resources • Technical Assistance on Selected SOL • Vocabulary Word Wall Cards • Vertical Articulation • Using Statewide SOL Results to Guide Instruction • Strategies for Minimizing Time & Improving Performance • Released Tests (NOTE: New tests released in March 2014.) (Plain English sample to be released soon.) • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml#math • Math SOL Practice Items • Math VMAST Practice Items • Narrated demonstration of TEI Items • Mathematics Practice Tool Curriculum Resources ~ MATHEMATICS

22. Grades 3-5 Mathematics: The grade 3-5 Mathematics test has TWO sections and is administered over TWO days. Be sure to STOP after Section 1! Make sure directions for TWO DAY TESTING are read. • Grades 6-7 Mathematics: The grade 6 and 7 Mathematics test has TWO sections. Both sections must be administered on the SAME day. • Formula Sheets: Make sure the correct formula sheet is provided to students. With the exception of retesters using 2001 standards, all other students should be using 2009 standards. Students taking an online Mathematics test ARE permitted to use a paper formula sheet in addition to the online version. • Seal Code: Seal codes have been added as an option in Pearson Training Center. Other MATHEMATICS Testing Updates . . .

23. Quantiles: All math results have related quantile score. • Grid Paper: Intended for mathematical purposes (i.e. plot, etc.), NOT graphic organizers. • Commas: Students must place commas in correct location within a number in order for answer to be correct. • Mathematics content should support these process standards . . . • Problem-solving • Communication • Reasoning • Connections • Representation Other MATHEMATICS Instructional Reminders . . .

24. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/index.shtml • Standards, Curriculum Framework, Blueprint • Sample Lesson Plans • Science Progression • Instructional Resources • Released Tests (NOTE: These do NOT align with 2010 standards.) • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml#science • Science SOL Practice Items* • Narrated demonstration of TEI Items Curriculum Resources ~ SCIENCE

25. Chemistry: Students taking online Chemistry test MUST use Periodic Table located on the online test’s toolbar (NO paper copy). The table used may be accessed on the VDOE website. • Instructional focus should include . . . Other SCIENCE Testing Updates . . .

26. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ • http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml • Standards, Curriculum Framework, Blueprint • Sample Lesson Plans • SOL Institutes • Instructional Resources • Released Tests (NOTE: Tests from Spring 2012 ARE aligned with the 2008 standards. An additional “set of test items” will be released in March 2014.) Curriculum Resources ~ HISTORY Check out the Schedule for Review of NEW History and Social Science Standards of Learning . . . - Standards: January 2015 - Curriculum framework: July 2015

27. Other Testing Updates . . . TEI test types: Fill-in-the-blank, Histogram or Bar Graphing, Hot Spot, Number Line, Drag and Drop. Refer to Staunton City Schools website for description. Cut Scores have now been updated. Refer to Staunton City Schools website. Emphasis words such as most, main, and best will no longer be emphasized by italics or capital letters on any new SOL tests. The only exceptions will be the words NOT and EXCEPT, which will continue to be emphasized with capital letters on all SOL tests except for grade 3. The grade 3 tests will not contain test items with the words NOT and except. Continue to maintain focus on rigor of instruction and assessment. Refer to VDOE website. Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) coming to middle school mathematics next year. More information and other CAT timelines will be coming.

28. Online SOL Test:A Student’s PerspectiveTestNav Login Screen

29. Online Tools Protractor Dot Straightedge Compass Exhibit Calculator Pointer Eliminate Choice Highlighter Pencil Eraser Notepad Ruler

30. SOL Practice Items

31. Pearson Training Center

32. Test Security Agreement READ all of the Test Security Agreement prior to signing and administering any SOL assessment.

33. Role of Examiners/ Proctors During test administration, Examiners/Proctors must monitor the testing process by moving as unobtrusively as possible about the room. They should ensure that students are working independently and do not have access to unauthorized materials.

34. Monitoring the Testing Process • 16 Things You Can Do While Actively Monitoring During Standardized Testing All you can do is . . . • Walk around the room • Watch students take a test Or is it? Other options?

35. Answering Student Questions Examiners/ Proctors MAY answer questions regarding technical issues of the assessment. They may NOT answer questions that would provide any hint or clue with regard to the assessment.

36. Examples of Technical Questions Scrolling: “To view all of the reading passage, use the scroll bar to the right of the passage to move the page up and down.” Navigating the test: “To move to the next question click Next”; “To go back to the previous question click Previous”; “To go back to a question from the review screen click on the question’s number”; “To submit your test click the Submit the test button”; “Go back to the test item to make sure the Pointer was used to indicate the answer.” NOTE: Examiners/ Proctors may NOT use the student’s mouse or keyboard to navigate any portion of the test for the student.

37. FAQs When a student has completed testing can the test examiner scroll down the review screen (look over the student’s answer section on the answer document) and make sure the student has an answer for every question? No. The examiner must not touch the student’s mouse (avoid the appearance of providing assistance). The Examiner may only tell the student to “read the screen carefully” (online) or to “review the answer document carefully” (paper).

38. FAQs We are concerned that our students might select the wrong button to submit their tests. Can the examiner submit the test for the student? No. The examiner must not touch the student’s mouse (avoid the appearance of providing assistance). Directions in the Examiner’s Manual state, when students are ready to submit their tests for scoring, they raise their hands. The Examiner gives permission to the student to submit and may say, “to submit your test click on the 3rd button which says Submit the test.”

39. Guidance for Submitting a Test GRADES 6-8 & EOC: If examiner sees that student has unfinished items, examiner may only tell student to “Read the screen carefully.”

40. Guidance for Submitting a Test Grades 3-5: If examiner sees that student has unfinished items, the examiner may read this screen to the students. This screen says: “Stop. You are trying to exit the test. You have __ unfinished items.” (Refer to directions in Examiner’s Manual.)

41. FAQs If the student does not remember how to use one of the tools, can the examiner show the student how to operate the tool? No. The examiner may say, “for help with a tool, click on the help icon (life preserver) on the tool bar.”

42. FAQs Can staff and students get practice with the various functions on a test before live testing? YES! Students and staff may practice the login process, using tools, navigation, and submitting tests by taking a Training Center Test or by using the practice TestNav items. Students who have the audio accommodation may practice the audio controls also by taking the Training Center Test in audio format. Look for Applications for Test Preparation in the TIM and Examiner’s Manuals for several other applications to help students.

43. FAQs Can a student’s parent sit in the testing room with their child during testing? No, only test examiners/proctors and staff that are essential to testing (all of which have been trained and have signed the test security agreement) are permitted in the secure testing environment.

44. FAQs • Can a teacher review a new test to get a feel for the type of questions that are being asked? • No, this is what released test items and practice items can be used for. • Anticipated Released Tests Schedule for the “new” SOL • History (2008 SOL) Spring 2013/ Item Sets Spring 2014 • Mathematics (2009 SOL) Spring 2014 • Reading (2010 SOL) Spring 2015 • Science (2010 SOL) Spring 2015

45. FAQs While testing: Can I write notes of encouragement and put them on students’ desks, or can I verbally encourage students to do their best on the test, or pat them on the back to show support, etc.? No, none of this is permissible during the test session. These actions can give the appearance of inappropriate assistance and can result in an investigation and possible retesting.

46. Paper vs. Online Students who meet one or more of following criteria may be assigned a paper/pencil test: Placement: Special situation school, homebound, Governor’s school Accommodation requires paper/pencil: large-print, Braille, flexible schedule (multiple testing sessions requiring more than one day) Documented medical condition: Exposure to computer will aggravate condition (i.e. seizure disorder, etc.) All other requests must be completed through “Documentation of Need for Paper/Pencil SOL Assessment”

47. Interpreter Accommodation Interpreters . . . May have access to the SOL or VMAST tests for review purposes 24 hours prior to the administration, as authorized by the DDOT May interpret test directions, sample items, and questions regarding the mechanics of the tests. These questions should be directed to and answered by the test examiner. Must have test sessions proctored or video-taped. Must sign an Interpreter’s Affidavit.

48. STC Reminders . . . Proctor Authorization Tickets and StudentAuthorization Tickets – These tickets shouldbeprinted no more than4 daysprior to the test windowstart date and must bestored in a secure location untilneeded. Start the test session the day of the scheduled session. Use the Examiner’s/ Proctor’s Test Booklet/ Test Ticket TransmittalForm/ Affidavit to distribute and collect test tickets and materials to examiners. ProvideExaminers extra copies of the formula sheets and the Periodic Table of the Elements, where applicable. Ensurethat all examiners/ proctors have allowable test manipulatives. (Refer to instructions in TIM and Examiner Manual for clearing calculatormemory.)

49. More Reminders . . . • Section Breaks– Some tests have two sections, and a seal code must beused for the next section. • Grade 3 Reading (2 Days) • Grades 4 – 5 Mathematics (2 Days): - Section 1 – NON-calculator - Section 2 – 4-functioncalculator • Grades 6 – 7 Mathematics (1 Day): - Section 1 – NON-calculator - Section 2 – Scientificcalculator

50. More reminders . . . View the status of each test session through Session Detailsscreen (Ready, Active, Exited, Resumed, Resumed-Upload, Submitted, Processing, Completed, Marked Complete). Add, move, and removestudentsfrom test sessions, as needed. Studentswho are absent on the day of testing must beremoved/movedfrom the session beforeitcanbestopped. Stop all online test sessions at the end of the day. All students must show a Completedstatus on the Session Detailsscreen. Anystudentswith a Not Started, Exited, or Resumestatus must beremoved/ moved to a make-up or irregularity session beforestopping the test session.