College- and career-ready in Massachusetts

1. College- and career-ready in Massachusetts PARCC 2014-2015 What to expect September 2014

2. Key points • Steady improvement, but persistent gaps • College- and career-ready in Massachusetts • Where are we on the PARCC “test drive”? • So what does PARCC look like? • If it’s a test drive, does it count? • What will results look like? • The latest on district choice • How technology is impacting choice • PARCC and MCAS testing dates • Learn more Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

3. Steady improvement, but persistent gaps • Early investments are paying off • 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act established high standards and equitable school funding regardless of zip code • Today, Massachusetts K-12 students outperform all other states and rank right near the top internationally • High school graduation rates are at all-time high and drop-out rates lowest in decades • But there continue to be gaps in achievement • Low-income, minority, and English language learners continue to lag in performance • More than 1 in 3 high school graduates who enroll in public higher education require remedial courses Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

4. College- and career-ready in Massachusetts • Our schools have been transitioning to new college- and career-ready academic standards since 2011 • New standards require a new assessment system • We’re “test driving” PARCC because • It’s fair • It’s skills-based • It emphasizes the skills students need to be successful in college and career (problem-solving and critical thinking) • It’s computerized (with a paper/pencil option) • Allows for innovative, interactive test items and word processing • It offers a smoother transition to college with historic placement agreement with higher education • It builds upon the strengths of MCAS Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

5. Where are we on the PARCC “test drive”? * June 30 is the PARCC “guaranteed” deadline (at which point the decision is binding). Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

6. So what does PARCC look like? PARCC Assessment Design: English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics, Grades 3-11 6 Speaking & Listening (required non-summative assessment) Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

7. If it’s a “test drive,” does it count? • In 2014, selected classes participated in the PARCC field test, in which students “tested the test” • For the 2015 operational test, PARCC results will be official; but because it’s a transition year, schools choosing PARCC will have accountability ratings that remain constant or improve—they will not decline • Districts choosing MCAS will be held accountable as in the past • Grade 10 students through the class of 2019 will not take PARCC—they still must pass MCAS for their graduation requirement • The science MCAS and MCAS Alt will continue as is for the foreseeable future Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

8. What will results look like? • Students will receive performance results on a new scale • Schools, districts, and the state overall will have new results; a new baseline will be established • We’re measuring higher expectations with a new tool (like a meter stick instead of a yard stick) Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

9. The latest on district choice 74% of Districts have responded as of July 30 Most Level 4 and 5 schools will remain with MCAS Collaboratives/ private schools will make choice independent of district *Some schools may be administering PARCC and MCAS Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

10. How technology is impacting choice • Most schools require more devices and/or bandwidth • Schools that are ready to administer PARCC online are doing so; PARCC vendor and ESE will provide additional support • Schools that are not ready to test online are choosing to administer the paper-and-pencil version of PARCC • Technology funding is on the way • Federal eRate—FCC is doubling funds to $4.4B over next 2 years (half for voice and other “legacy” uses; half for technology infrastructure) • State Education Technology Bond Bill—First since 1999; will provide $38M for K-12 technology infrastructure • Guidelines to be released in the fall/winter 2014 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

11. PARCC and MCAS testing dates Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

12. At the end of the day… • The best preparation for any test is good teaching, not “teaching to the test” • Tests aren’t meant to tell the whole story about what a student knows and can do; just like a visit to the pediatrician, it’s an annual check-up • The PARCC “check-up” gives teachers the information they need to tailor instruction to the needs of their students; parents will also receive cues to support their child’s learning at home Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

13. Learn more about PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) www.parcconline.org www.doe.mass. edu/parcc parcc@doe.mass.edu