Preparing Students for MCAS

Citywide PTO Presentation January 8, 2018

Presented by members of the Superintendent’s Leadership Team

Tonight’s Focal Points

The Basics: Your Child’s 2017 MCAS Report

Overview of the New Test Design for 2018

Examples of Accessibility and Accommodations

Student Assessments Beyond MCAS ?

High School transition to MCAS 2.0

Technology Appropriations

Resources for Parents

What is the “next-generation” MCAS ?

Computer-based

Focuses on students’

critical thinking abilities,

application of knowledge, and

ability to make connections between reading and writing

Hopes to provide clear signals to students, parents, and educators about readiness for the next grade and college/career

TRANSITION TO NEXT-GENERATION MCAS

2018ELA and Math CBT

Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8

STE CBT gr 5 and 8

ELA and Math PBT Grades 3 and 6

2019 CBT required* for Grades 3–8 and 10

• Paper-based testing (PBT) will be available for students with disabilities who require a paper-and-pencil test as well as for new EL students unfamiliar with computers. Computer-based Testing (CBT)

• Science Technology/Engineering (STE)

2017 Parent/Guardian Report

for the 2018 MCAS tests

Grades 3-8

Overview of the Test Design

Number of Sessions for Grades 3-8

ELA

• Grades 3–5: 2 sessions

• Grades 6–8: 2 sessions

Mathematics

• Grades 3–6: 2 Sessions

No calculators are allowed for

either session.

• Grades 7–8: 2 Sessions

Session 1 - No calculators are

allowed

Session 2 - Calculators are

allowed

New Question Types for ELA

ELA Item TypesQuestion Type Total Points Grade Levels

Multiple Choice

Students select the correct answer(s) from among several answer options.1 Grades 3-8

Multiple Select

Students select more than one correct answer from among several answer options. These

items include two part questions.

2 Grades 3-8

Technology Enhanced

Students taking the computer-based test answer questions using technology such as drag-

and-drop or hot spot.

3 Grades 3-8

Short Response (or Constructed Response)

Students construct a short written response, approximately the length of a paragraph.3 Grades 3 and 4

Text-Based and Narrative Essays

Students write an essay in response to text(s) they have read (expected response length is

one page for grades 3–5; two pages for grades 6–8).

7 Grades 3-5

8 Grades 6-8

Example of Changes in Rigor (Grade 7 writing in response to text)

Legacy MCAS Based on the folktale, explain an important lesson that can be learned.

Support your answer with important details from the folktale.

Current MCASThis question is a text-based essay question. Your essay should:• Present and develop a central idea.• Provide evidence/details from the passage (s).• Include correct grammar, spelling, and

punctuation.

Based on “Steerage” and “Voyage of Hope, Voyage of Tears,” write an essay that explains how the lives of immigrants are portrayed. Be sure to use information from both the poem and the article to develop your essay.

Text Based Essay

New Question Types for Mathematics

Math Item TypesQuestion Type Total Points Grade Levels

Multiple Choice

Students select one correct answer from among several answer options.1 Grades 3–8

Multiple Select

Students select more than one correct answer from among several answer options.1 Grades 3–8

Short Answer/Fill-in-the-Blank

Students construct a short written response, typically only a word or a number.1 Grades 3–8

Technology Enhanced

Students answer questions using technology such as drag-and-drop or hot spot (on

the computer-based test only).

1 or 2 Grades 3–5

1, 2 or 4 Grades 6–8

Open Response

Students write a response to a multi-part item that includes answers and

explanations to all parts.

2 or 3 Grade 3

3 or 4 Grades 4–8

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/tdd/math.html?section=testdesign

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Grades 3–5 Equation

Editor

Short Answer with a TEQ

Examples of Accessibility and Accommodations

Universal Accessibility Features Available to all students

Computer-Based Paper-Based

Highlighter

Change background/font color Colored overlays

Screen magnification/Zoom Tool Magnification device

Line reader tool Tracking device/straight edge

Answer eliminator Masking using blank card

Item flag/bookmark Place marker

Human read-aloud (or sign) selected words on Math or STE, as requested by student

Repeat/clarify test directions

Test administrator redirects student’s attention to test

Accommodations for students with disabilities (IEP and 504)

Test Presentation

Computer-Based Paper-Based

Paper test, if unable to use computer N/A

Screen reader for student who is blind Braille test

Text-to-speech/Human read-aloud for Math, STE Human read-aloud

Human signer for Math, STE, and test questions only for ELA

Test administrator helps student track test items

Accommodations for Students with disabilities (IEP and 504)

Response Accommodations

Computer-Based Paper-Based

ELA graphic organizer or Math/STE reference sheet for grades 3-8

Human scribe for Math/STE

N/A Answers recorded in test booklet

N/A Typed responses

Monitor placement of test responses

Accommodations and Support

Weekly/Monthly Formative

Assessments

Positive Behavioral Interventions and

Supports

Extra-CurricularOpportunities and

Enrichment Activities

Looking Beyond the Scores

High School Transition to MCAS 2.0

• Class of 2020 (current 10th graders) will take the “Legacy” MCAS Assessment

• Class of 2021 (current 9th graders) will take the “Next Generation” MCAS, similar to the 8th grade MCAS

• April 23-May 11, 2018: Field Testing for ELA and Math across Massachusetts

• For Quincy High and North Quincy High Schools: Field Testing ELA

• May 29 –June 15, 2018: Question Tryout for Gr 10 Biology

Technology Appropriations

with Keith Segalla

*switch to other presentation

THANK YOUCurriculum and Assessment Office

617-984-8761

Special Education Office

617-984-8743

Technology Planning and Training

617-984-7105

Parent Resources Available:http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/http://quincypublicschools.com/next-generation-mcas/http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/