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2013−14 Smarter Balanced Field Test March 27, 2014 Gina Koency Senior Assessment Fellow California Department of Education gkoency@cde.ca.gov. Required Assessments for the 2013–14 School Year. Smarter Balanced Field Test for English–language arts (ELA) and mathematics:
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2013−14 Smarter Balanced Field TestMarch 27, 2014Gina KoencySenior Assessment FellowCalifornia Department of Educationgkoency@cde.ca.gov
Required Assessments for the 2013–14 School Year • Smarter Balanced Field Test for English–language arts (ELA) and mathematics: • Grades 3–8: all students participate. • Grades 9 and 10: only students selected for the scientific sample participate. • Grade 11: students selected for the scientific sample participate. All others are encouraged to participate. • California Standards Tests (CSTs) for science in grades 5, 8, and 10 • California Modified Assessment (CMA) for science in grades 5, 8 and 10 • California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) for ELA and mathematics in grades 2 through 11 and for science in grades 5, 8, and 10
Why is the Field Test Important? • Key step toward the implementation of CAASPP. • Model high-quality instruction of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). • “Test the test” in a low-stakes environment.
What are the Benefits? • Teachers and students gain hands-on experience with a computer-based assessment. • Administrators and teachers gain experience with the logistics of the test administration. • LEAs identify gaps and needs to better prepare for the 2014−15 operational test.
Smarter Balanced Field Test Item Response Types The Smarter Balanced assessment system includes a variety of item types: • Selected-response • Constructed-response • Technology-enhanced • Performance task Sample items are available on the Smarter Balanced Web page at http://www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks/.
Performance Task (PT) • PT is a required portion of the Field Test. • All participating students will take one PT in either ELA or mathematics. • Students answer a set of complex questions that are centered on a common theme or situation. • Goal is to measure depth of understanding, and research and analysis skills, which cannot be adequately assessed with other types of questions. • Encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to real-world problems.
Performance Task (cont.) • ELA PT has two parts and can be completed in two days. Once a student completes Part 1, he/she cannot return to it. • Mathematics PT has one part and can be completed in one day. • PT should not be administered on the same day as the non-PT part of the Field Test (recommended). • Sample PT with scoring guides are included in the Practice Test, but not in the Training Test. .
Performance Task Classroom Activity • Students will be participating in a classroom activity before the PT is given. • The activity should be conducted 1 to 3 days before the administration of the PT. • The teacher-led activity is designed to provide students with information and key terms that would be helpful to the student knowing prior to taking the PT.
Performance Task Classroom Activity (cont.) • Classroom activity and content assignments now available for schools and LEAs. • PDF files with classroom activities, by name, now available. • Classroom activity and Performance Task administration guidelines, including accessibility guide for classroom activity now available. • Web page at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/classroom-activities/.
Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines • The Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines is a guide for local educational agencies (LEAs) to help provide equal access for all students participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test. • Guidelines describe three types of student support: universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations. • The Guidelines and accompanying FAQs are available on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility and Accommodations Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/access.asp.
CALPADS and the Smarter Balanced Field Test • California Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) is the source for student data used to register for the Smarter Balanced Field Test. • LEA administrators must ensure that demographic data for students are up to date and accurate in CALPADS. • Registration (i.e., data upload) is completed by the CDE on behalf of LEAs through TIDE. • Designated supports and accommodations must be entered into TIDE by the authorized person at the district or school site.
ResourcesRedesigned CDE Web Page for the Smarter Balanced Field Test • Launched February 19 athttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp • Redesigned to provide focused information for specific audiences/topics • Easily accessible information by tabs labeled as: • California assessments • Teachers • Administrators • Students/parents • Technology • Community partners
Resources (cont.)Field Test Videos for Students • Two videos are available that are designed to provide information to high school and middle school students about the Smarter Balanced Field Test. • These videos include answers to questions about “what, where, how, and why.” • The videos are posted at the following links: • High school video: http://youtu.be/DXXd451e580 • Middle school video: http://youtu.be/YKerb7NsDUE • Elementary school video (coming very soon)
Resources (cont.)Field Test Notification Letter Template • CDE has developed a template for a Smarter Balanced Field Test parent information letter to aid LEAs in communicating with parents and guardians regarding the upcoming Smarter Balanced Field Test. • Letter is available in English, Spanish, and ten other languages. • Field Test Parent and Guardian Letter Templates are available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/caasppcomm.asp.
Resources (cont.)Field Test Webcast Archives and Training • Archived Webcasts, including the California Smarter Balanced Field Test Workshop, are available at http://californiatac.org/training/sbft/. • Smarter Balanced Training Modules are available at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/resources/. Ten videos (6 to 55 minutes in length) are available that provide information on a variety of topics, including: • Accessibility and Accommodations • Smarter Balanced Test Administration Overview • What is a Field Test? • TA Interface for Online Testing • Performance Task Overview • Let’s Talk Universal Tools
Resources(cont.)Field Test Flashes • Field Test Flash is an outreach tool designed to deliver up-to-the-minute information about the Field Test. • Flashes are sent by e-mail to superintendents, administrators, CAASPP coordinators, CALPADS coordinators, educational organizations, and others. • Recipients are encouraged to forward flash announcements to all educators who may want to stay apprised of the latest information about the Field Test. • Receive the Field Test Flash listserv by sending a blank e-mail to caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. • Flashes also are posted at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/ftflashes.asp.
Resources(cont.)California Smarter Balanced Field Test Portal • This portal provides access to numerous Field Test resources, user guides, and manuals, such as the California Online Field Test Administration Manual and California TIDE Manual. • The URL to access this portal is http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/.
Resources (cont.)Smarter BalancedPractice Tests and Training Tests • Practice Tests • Provide students with grade-specific testing experience similar in format and structure to the Smarter Balanced Field Test, including most available supports. • Training Tests • Allow teachers and students to experience the full features, functionality, and item types of Field Test. • A training test is available for each of three grade bands (3–5, 6–8, and high school) and contains approximately 6–9 items per band, per content area. Note: Smarter Balanced Practice Tests and Training Tests are available at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/.
Senior Assessment Fellow • Focus on priorities related to Smarter Balanced assessments, beginning with the Field Test. • Collaborate with CDE and contractors to identify issues and promptly develop strategies, resources and solutions. • Developing and delivering presentations statewide. • Expanding outreach efforts to include all stakeholders. • Sharing best practices for implementation of the Smarter Balanced assessments, including the Field Test. • Gathering and analyzing data regarding the effectiveness of communications and outreach efforts.
Guiding Questions • Which resources have you and/or your schools found particularly useful? • How are you using these resources in preparation for the Smarter Balanced Field Test? • In what areas do you still need support and assistance?
Guiding Questions (cont.) • What plans or ideas do you have do monitor and document how the Field Test is going in your school district? • Training and resources (practice and training tests, modules, videos) • Technology readiness and functionality • Scheduling (issues, challenges) • Student experience (engagement with technology, with content, struggles)
Guiding Questions (cont.) • Teacher or test administrator experience (how teachers supported the Field Test; issues they encountered) • Accessibility tools (process to identify, getting them uploaded/entered, students use of these tools) • Performance tasks and item types (most difficult, interesting, engaging) • Troubleshooting strategies • Other areas?
Smarter Balanced Digital Library • Smarter Balanced Digital Library is part of the balanced assessment system, which will include formative assessment tools and practices. • Is an optional component that the state has purchased and made available to California LEAs. • Library will contain evidence-based, on-demand resources for teachers to enhance classroom assessment activities. • Library is scheduled to launch in April 2014.
Interim Assessments • Per AB 484, the Smarter Balanced interim assessment system will be a state born cost for California educators. • Designed to provide feedback about student progress toward college and career readiness before the summative assessment. • Can be administered at various points during the year to support instructional decisions for students. • To be delivered through the same online interface as the summative assessment.
Interim Assessments (cont.) • Unlike the summative assessment, the interim assessments are non-secure. • Two components to interim assessments: • Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA) – mirror the summative assessment and include performance tasks. • Interim Assessment Blocks (IAB) – focus on a smaller set of skills with 5-7 blocks per content area. • First set of ICAs expected in October 2014.
For Further Information CAASPP Office caaspp@cde.ca.gov 916-445-8765 CDE Smarter Balanced Field Test Web Page http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp California Technical Assistance Center http://californiatac.org/ 1-800-955-2954