Illinois Council of Community College Administrators 41 st Annual Conference Allison Jones, Senior Higher Education Consultant, PARCC, Inc. November 19,

Presentation Overview Common Core State Standards and Higher Education (CCSS) What is PARCC? Implications for Institutions of Higher Education in Illinois Next Steps: How you can prepare to use PARCC to support student success What is one thing you want to know about PARCC before you leave today? 2

Why Higher Standards in Illinois? 3 Degree attainment does not align with employment opportunities

The Goal: Open Doors for Students *Complete College America, New Illinois Report 2011 * content/themes/cca/pdfs/Illinois.pdf K-12 standards do not align with college expectations Remediation in Illinois: 2-year institutions: 48.7%* 4-year institutions: 15.8%* Of students who enroll in remedial courses at 2-year institutions, 14% graduate within 3 years* Students need clear indicators of college readiness prior to high school graduation 4

Key Advances Of The Common Core ANCHORED IN COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS 5

45 States + DC have adopted the Common Core 6

Benefits of CCSS to Higher Education Improved preparation of incoming students – from all states Reduced remediation rates over time Opportunity to redirect funding to support credit- bearing courses Increased degree attainment rates Increased capacity – colleges can admit more students Opportunity to increase academic rigor in entry-level, credit-bearing courses 7

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Overview 8

What Is PARCC? In 2009, groups of 15 or more states were invited to apply for Race to the Top grant funds to develop online assessment systems that would assess shared standards in mathematics and ELA/literacy for college- and career-readiness and provide information about student readiness for college credit bearing courses PARCC is one of two consortia of states that were awarded RTTT grants to collectively design and develop K-12 assessments in mathematics and English language arts/literacy aligned to the Common Core Postsecondary system and institution leaders in all PARCC states signed LOIs indicating intent to use the PARCC college readiness scores to exempt students from placement testing and remediation if validated by research studies

Governed by the education chiefs and state higher education executive officers in the states All test items reviewed by K-12 and Postsecondary state educators Grades 3-8 and high school 5 million students in tested grades Building a common tool for measuring college readiness Exemption from remediation and placement testing Early indicator for providing interventions roll out What is PARCC? By States for States 10

Illinois Educators are Building PARCC Assessments Over 70 Illinois teachers and faculty from K-12 and institutions of higher education have reviewed and approved PARCC Math and English language Arts assessment questions and have been engaged in shaping PARCC policies. 11

ISBE and IBHE are Working Collaboratively to Ensure PARCC’s Success Spring 2012: Hosted twelve workshops around the state, to highlight the common core Summer 2013: Presentations to the Community College Chief Academic Officers September 2013: College & Career Readiness Institute and PARCC Summit for Higher Education January 2014: Education Leadership Cadre PARCC/New Illinois Learning Standards Workshop January 2014: New Illinois Learning Standards Math Models & Transitions meeting February 2014: CME Group Foundation, Perspectives on the Common Core : Bridging the Gap Project funded through 2015: curriculum alignment with community colleges Outreach to high schools, colleges and universities PARCC for Higher Education Trainings Presentation at the IACCRO 12

PARCC Governance In Illinois Governing Board Christopher Koch, State Superintendent of Education, Illinois State Board of EducationK-12 Leads Advisory Committee for College Readiness (ACCR) James Applegate, Executive Director, Illinois Board Of Higher Education PARCC K-12 State Leads/Governing Board Deputies Dan Long, PARCC Project Director, Illinois State Board of Education Susie Morrison, Deputy Superintendent, Illinois State Board of Education Mary O’Brian, Director of Assessment, Illinois State Board of Education Higher Education Leadership Team (HELT) Daniel Cullen, Deputy Director, Illinois Board of Higher Education Brian Durham, Senior Director for Academic Affairs, Illinois Community College Board Postsecondary Engagement Lynne Haeffele, Education Policy Director, State of Illinois, Office of the Lieutenant Governor Marilyn Marshall, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Illinois Richard Pearce, Vice President for Learning and Student Success, Heartland Community College 13

14 Assessment System Summative Assessments ELA/Literacy, grades 3-11 Math, grades 3-8 HS: Algebra I, II, Geometry, Integrated Math I, II, III Performance-Based & End-of-Year Computer-Based & Paper-Based Measures Reading Writing Critical Thinking Mathematics Math Reasoning & Problem-Solving Computer-Based Items Engage Students Results Teachers Can Use Cost-effective

The Goal: Getting All Students College Ready K–2Grades 3–8 High School Voluntary K–2 assessment being developed, aligned to the Common Core State Standards Timely data showing whether ALL students are on track for college and career readiness College Ready scores in ELA and Math Placement into first-year, credit- bearing, postsecondary coursework without the need for remediation Opportunity for targeted interventions and supports and/or early college access/dual enrollment Ongoing student support/interventions Professional development for educators 15

PARCC will report results of summative assessments using 5 performance levels Grades 3-10: 4 or above indicates a student is on track to be successful in the subsequent grade in each content area High school: ELA III and ALG II/ Integrated Math III 4 or above will earn a College- and Career- Ready Determination intended to exempt students from placement testing and remediation at public postsecondary institutions 3 and below may be targeted for early interventions How will the test be scored? Performance Levels 16

What Does a College Readiness Score Mean for Students? PARCC English Language Arts/Literacy Students who earn a College- and Career-Ready Determination in ELA/literacy will have demonstrated the academic knowledge, skills and practices necessary to enter directly into and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing courses in College English Composition, Literature, and technical courses requiring college-level reading and writing. Mathematics Students who earn a College- and Career-Ready Determination in mathematics will have demonstrated the academic knowledge, skills and practices necessary to enter directly into and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing courses in College Algebra, Introductory College Statistics, and technical courses requiring an equivalent level of mathematics. 17

PARCC Performance Levels for College Readiness Not Exempt: Needs Extensive Academic Support to be College Ready PARCC: Level 1 Not Exempt: Needs Academic Support to be College Ready PARCC: Level 2 May Need Support to Be College Ready: Institution/State Discretion PARCC: Level 3 Exempt From Placement Testing PARCC: Level 5 and 4 18

19 What Information Will Be Available on Score Reports? The following information will be available on all student and parent level report: Performance level Scale scores for Math, Reading and Writing Sub-scores for each sub-claim under Math Sub-scores for each claim under Reading Sub-scores fore each claim under Writing The following slides illustrate the score, scale score, and sub-scores for Math and ELA

ClaimSub-ClaimPerformance Level Scale ScoreSub-Score ELA/L XX Reading X Literary Text X Reading Informational Text X VocabularyX Writing X Written ExpressionX Knowledge of Conventions X Score Reports: English Language Arts & Literacy Claims and Reporting Metrics 20

ClaimSub-ClaimPerformance Level Scale ScoreSub-Score MathXX Major ContentX Additional & Supporting Content X Expressing Mathematical Reasoning X Modeling and Applications X Score Reports: Mathematics Claims and Reporting Metrics 21

22 Score Reports Design PARCC has been working with K-12 and postsecondary educators, administrators, parents, subject matter, data and assessment experts, and the design firm Amplify to develop how student performance should be presented on score reports. We are currently in the final stage of score report design in which end users will provide feedback on the usability of the online, dynamic reports. Score report prototypes will be released for public review within the next few weeks.

23 Score Reporting and Design States will receive student data from the PARCC data management and reporting system. States will have access to: Reports at the PARCC, State, District, School and Student level The Illinois State Board of Education will manage policy around score reporting in Illinois IBHE and ISBE will collaborate to develop mechanisms for institutions of higher education to receive student level score reports

How did the field test go? And what’s next?

The Stats Students 14 + D.C. Schools > 1,000,000 States 16,000 Technology system platform worked well Students took less time than anticipated Practice tests and tutorials set students up for success Test administration manuals need refinement

What We Heard “I like this test so much more than [the state test] because it makes you think.” (from media interview) “…yes there was hard parts but there's always gonna be hard questions in life.” (from student survey) “Something about the test was that there were questions that you had to go back in the story to look for the answer” (from student survey) “… Time seemed just right. Students really enjoyed the movies, and seemed more engaged in their writing.” (from test administrator survey) “The language used in the [test manual] directions was unnecessarily complex and could have been simplified.” (from school/district survey)

27 Looking Ahead: Opportunities to get involved! Faculty Participants Selected/Training Provided We are here! Full Operational Assessment Administration Field Trial of Standard Setting Process Standard Setting Panels Selected and Meet to Recommend Cut Scores Governing Board and ACCR Vote on Recommended Cut Scores for High School Assessments Spring 2015 May 2015 Scores Reported to Parents/Students Fall 2016 Next year Winter Operational Assessment Administration Research Results informing standard setting and cut scores reviewed and evaluated November 2014 Postsecondary Educators Judgment Study Recruitment Fall 2014 Data Collection for Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study December 2014 Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study Administration July -August 2015 April 2015 Mid August 2015 Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study Final Report Provided to PARCC for Approval February 2015 January 2015

PARCC as a Measure of College Readiness: Validating the Assessments A level 4 on the PARCC high school assessment will be validated against the following standard: A student who earns a 4 on the PARCC assessments has a 0.75 probability of earning college credit by attaining at least a grade of C or its equivalent in entry level, college-credit bearing courses. PARCC will conduct research studies to inform the standard setting and the validation process including: Benchmarking Study Postsecondary educators’ judgment study Longitudinal Study of External Validity of the PARCC Performance Standards 28

29 How is PARCC Validating the Assessments? June 2014-April 2015: Conducting Research and Drafting Reports Both empirical data and content expert judgment will be used in setting the standards Empirical data will come from two sources: A study of data from external benchmarks related to college readiness including NAEP assessments, SAT, ACT and current state assessments and. The Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study Late July 2015: Standard setting panel meetings for high school assessments Mid August 2015: Approval of cut scores by the Governing Board and ACCR : Results of Longitudinal Study of Student Performance

30 Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study The results of the postsecondary educators’ judgment study will be used along with empirical data and content expert judgment to set the college readiness standards for the high school assessments. The study will gather feedback from faculty (who are familiar with the knowledge and skills necessary to be academically prepared for entry-level, college-credit bearing courses in mathematics and ELA) on how a student should perform on individual assessment items in ELA and Mathematics to receive a college ready score and to be exempt from remedial coursework.

Timeline Overview for the Postsecondary Educators’ Judgment Study Over 300 faculty across PARCC states will participate Representing 2-year, 4-year and technical programs Nearly every PARCC state represented Beginning November 20: Faculty notified of selection December 1 st, January 15, 2014: Window to completing study online February 10, 2015: Analysis and Draft Report from the study will be developed and shared with the HELT and ACCR February 24, 2015: Final report will be delivered to PARCC for approval 31

What Does Participation Involve? 32 Online training (1.5 hours) Complete the study (6 hours) Provide feedback on high school assessment items (6 hours) Faculty may complete the study at their own pace via online platform between December 1 st and January 15 th Recruitment ongoing! Please let us know if you would like to participate in the study

Continued Validity Research PARCC’s longitudinal study will examine the external validity of the cut scores for PARCC CCR performance levels by examining the relationship between student performance on PARCC and their course grades in entry level credit bearing courses The longitudinal study will analyze how students who take the high school assessments in and enter postsecondary institutions in fall 2016 perform in their first entry-level, college-credit bearing courses in math and ELA. 33

Longitudinal Study of External Validity of the PARCC Performance Standards Purpose: Directly support the validity of the PARCC college-and career- ready performance levels for Grade 11 ELA/Literacy, Algebra II, and Integrated Mathematics III Who Students who complete grade 11 PARCC assessments in spring 2015 who enter college and complete their first semester of courses in fall What: Students will be matched with their ACT and/or SAT scores (likely taken in a similar timeframe) to determine rigor as compared with other benchmarks of college readiness Students scores will be matched with their course performance in entry- level credit-bearing classes at institutions of higher education to determine the ability of the assessment to predict student success Data for this study will come from state longitudinal data systems When: Spring Spring

Opportunities for Institutions of Higher Education in Illinois

How Has Higher Education Been Engaged? Advisory Committee on College Readiness Since 2011 the Advisory Committee on College Readiness composed of State Higher Education Executive Officers and leaders of partners organizations in higher education have worked with the PARCC Governing Board to set policies to support the acceptance and use of the PARCC assessments by PARCC state colleges and universities. Higher Education Leadership Team The Higher Education Leadership Team (HELT) composed of college presidents, P- 20 leadership and representatives from the state departments of higher education was established to increase the reach of postsecondary engagement at the state level and to provide a mechanism for reaching the engaging postsecondary campuses. Key Policy Decisions of the ACCR and the PARCC Governing Board: Adoption of the College and Career Readiness Determination Policy (Adopted 10/25/2012) Approval of the postsecondary studies for standard setting (10/16/2013) Standard Setting Validation 36

Why Should We Use PARCC? A Common Measure of College Readiness PARCC will be aligned to the content knowledge and skills student are learning in the classroom PARCC Scores will: Empower students and parents with accurate information about college preparation Identify students early who are not on-track to graduate ready for college in time to receive academic support in high school Exempt students from remediation who meet college readiness expectations

PARCC Opens Doors A Better Tool for Placement Exempting Students from Remediation and placing them directly into entry- level, credit-bearing courses Reducing Placement Testing on College Campuses Decreased test prep Developmental education reforms Co-requisite One course pathways Parallel remediation Student support courses 38 Common Measure of College Readiness A Tool for Collaboration and Alignment Early college access Early interventions

Opportunities for P-20 Systems: Expand K-12 Partnerships Timely information about student college readiness provided throughout high school will enable P-20 systems to: Identify students who need supports early on Provide supports to students who are not on track to graduate ready for college credit bearing courses through transition courses and bridge courses Accelerating students who demonstrate proficiency into dual enrollment, early college, and other concurrent enrollment programs increasing early college access 39

Opportunities for Higher Education: Placement Testing and Remediation The information about college readiness provided by the score reports from high school assessments in mathematics and English language arts will enable institutions of higher education to: Decrease the use of placement testing on college campuses Exempt students from remediation Use information provided on student score reports to place students into targeted, abbreviated student support programs: −Student supports and learning pathways −Student success courses −Co-requisite programs 40

Opportunity to Develop and Implement Effective Counseling Model To increase persistence and four-year graduation rates for low- income, first-generation students To provide intensive advising: Advisors work with students throughout their college career, focusing on academic advising, soft skill development (time management, finances, etc.), emotional and social adjustment to college life, and additional logistical and quotidian concerns college students encounter. To provide collaborative guidance: Working closely with on campus supports and professional staff, local community organizations, other organizations, e.g., GEAR UP, PIQE, America Reads/Counts, College Assistance Migrant Programs (CAMP), TRIO programs, Upward Bound, advisors guide students toward postsecondary success, all the while pushing students toward greater independence and self-advocacy. 41

How are Illinois and other PARCC States Preparing?

Illinois: System and Campus Level Support A Joint Statement from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission in support of PARCC was released this year. PARCC 301 regional meetings were held in June 2014 and attended by campus representatives from all postsecondary institutions. Campus teams were asked to identify processes for comparing PARCC to current placement tools and plan to incorporate PARCC into placement policies and practices by establishing engagement activities on a timeline. 43

Colorado and Ohio: System Level Policies Colorado has incorporated a place holder for PARCC into the Remediation Policy for their higher education system. PARCC will become one of multiple measure for exempting students from remediation at IHEs once the standard setting process in complete Ohio has incorporated the PARCC assessments into their Remediation Free standards. Following the standard setting process, the Ohio Board of Regents will vote to officially include PARCC as a measure for exempting students from remediation at institutions of higher education. 44

Massachusetts: Campus-Level Preparation Commissioner asked each state campus president to designate a PARCC Campus Lead to serve as a PARCC point person/external liaison Targeted administrators and faculty who were involved in placement, K-12 partnerships and worked extensively with other faculty : Teacher educators Admissions/advisory/placement officers K-12 partnership leaders Meet with regional groups of campus leads once a semester Convene all campus leads once a year This system has ensured broad awareness and preparation for using PARCC as a placement tool on college campuses 45

“PARCC Pioneers” Who: Individual public institutions of higher education across PARCC states The Ask: Join a group of public 2-and 4-year institutions of higher education that will formally commit to use the 11 th grade ELA and/or Algebra II/Integrated Math III assessments administered in the winter and spring of the 2014/2015 school year to exempt students from remediation. Benefit to Students: Commitment to students that if they meet the college readiness benchmarks established by PARCC, they will be able to enter directly into college-credit bearing course 46

“PARCC Pioneers” Benefits to Institutions of Higher Education: Parcc Inc. will work with interested institutions to complete a commitment letter detailing how the institution will use the PARCC scores for placement and make a formal announcement in their state In early spring, all PARCC Pioneers will be recognized for their leadership during a joint press release event and will formally announce their collective commitment to students. PARCC will provide technical assistance to ensure Pioneer institutions are prepared to use PARCC scores for placement and may serve as exemplars for other institutions moving forward. 47

How Will We Get There? Increase awareness about the assessments system on your campus Familiarize faculty with the high school assessment items and the information PARCC will provide about student college readiness Familiarize pre-service teachers with the assessments and ways to use data to inform instruction Identify what information faculty and placement counselors would like to see from a new assessment of college readiness Compare information currently used to place students into student support and remedial courses with the information provided by the PARCC assessments Work with K-12 partners to identify students who need support to graduate ready to enter college credit bearing courses and collaboratively design interventions

Questions to Consider ---- What Does PARCC Implementation Mean for Institutions of Higher Education in Illinois What do postsecondary administrators, faculty, department heads and counselors need to know? How can you prepare to use the assessments to support college access, readiness and success? 49

Illinois Higher Education Leadership Team Contacts Brian Durham Senior Director for Academic Affairs & CTE Illinois Community College Board Daniel Cullen, Ph.D. Deputy Director for Academic Affairs Illinois Board of Higher Education

Resources Common Core State Standards Model content frameworks Blueprints Sample items for every tested subject and grade Educator Leaders Cadres: Public ELC portal for educator resources! Practice Test PARCC For Higher Education Collaborative Learning Object 51

Please visit PARCC online at: Sign up for the PARCC Newsletter: PARCC NewsletterPARCC Newsletter Or follow PARCC on Twitter 52