Private School Test Coordinators FLKRS Training, Part 2 Fall 2016 Colleen Risner

Work Sampling System (WSS) Observational Tool

WSS Basics The heart of the Work Sampling System is focused on ongoing evaluation where a student’s work is assessed repeatedly through – Guidelines and Checklists – Teacher observations – Work samples and other methods of documenting Repeated assessment allows the teacher to identify patterns of student learning. Each skill for WSS needs to be observed repeatedly to be rated as in-process or proficient.

WSS Basics WSS uses actual student work as part of the documentation for observation. Teachers can select samples of work that cover multiple indicators. Teachers may also take photos of students performing activities that show skills being observed, and annotate as documentation Emphasis is on documenting observation – Be careful to record fact not opinion

WSS Basics

Five Domains Personal and Social Development Language and Literacy Mathematical Thinking Scientific Thinking Physical Development, Health, and Safety Under the domain of Mathematical Thinking, we can look at several Functional Components: Processes and Practices Number Operations and Algebraic Thinking Measurement Geometry

WSS Basics Each functional component is composed of a set of performance indicators. In Processes and Practices, we see specific performance indicators: −Reasons quantitatively and begins to use some tools −Begins to recognize patterns and makes simple generalizations. These would be the specific indicators for which the teacher will be observing and collecting evidence of the child’s performance

WSS Basics The evidence collected may include teacher observations, work samples, and possibly other sources of information like other school personnel or families Teacher will rate students based upon collected evidence (Not Yet, In Process, Proficient) Rating will need to be completed and entered into PMRN system within the first thirty days of school. Users will not be able to access and view WSS screens after the first 30 school days. WSS Reports will be available in November

WSS Reference Table Suggested Activities The Reference Table gives examples of suggested activities teachers can use to document student progress. It is available in the PMRN under the WSS tab or in the TAM Appendix p

Special Needs/ELL Students When using the Work Sampling System with students with special needs, it is permissible to modify the way you assess or how the student demonstrates the skills, but not the checklist Look for non-verbal means a student can convey skill, especially for non-English speakers

Recording Observations

WSS Developmental Checklist Shows all Domains, Functional Components and Performance Indicators If using this form, teacher completes one per student to record evidences collected, then makes rating decisions When a teacher selects ratings on the Developmental Checklist, they compare the evidences of the child’s performance of an indicator to the expectations detailed in the WSS Developmental Guidelines to determine appropriate rating.

WSS Class Record Form Shows all Domains, Functional Components and Performance Indicators with room for student names across top If using this form, teacher completes one for whole class to record evidences collected, then makes rating decisions

WSS Rating Guide The student was given opportunity to show skill, but did or could not. The expectation is that there will be very few students with this rating, as the guidelines are based upon normal 4 year old development. The student almost always demonstrates the skill under different circumstances and settings.

Other WSS Ratings

Entering WSS Rankings into PMRN Refer to pages (Titled “Class Summary”) in the PMRN School Level User’s Guide Before teachers can input ratings for each indicator, the FLKRS Demographics page must be completed for each student Demographic updates and entering of observational rankings are done under the Class Summary Tab The ratings for each indicator: Not Yet, In Process, and Proficient will be recorded in the PMRN on the WSS data collection screen. Teachers will review evidence, make interpretations, and then select the appropriate rating for each performance indicator.

Completing Student Demographics Select the FLKRS Demographics Tab in the Class Summary Tab to begin the data entry process. Select the student’s name from the dropdown and complete each section. Click Save. Repeat for each student in class.

Entering WSS Ratings into PMRN WSS ratings will be entered for each student by clicking on the Class Summary Tab, then selecting the WSS Tab. Select the student in the drop-down box, then enter the ratings for each indicator. Note: System automatically saves each entry so there is no “Save” button on this page. Entries may be changed as needed during test window.

Checking Status of Data Entry Select the Class Summary Tab for that class. The circles indicate data entry progress.

School and Teacher Reports Refer to pages in the PMRN School Level User’s Guide Find in School Reports or Teacher Reports Tab. Most important report is FLKRS-WSS Missing Score Report – shows which students do not have data entered, by teacher class/period. Updated daily.

Student Reports Refer to page 62 in the PMRN School Level User’s Guide After the data entry window closes, you can view and print the FKLRS-WSS Parent Letter for each student to notify parents of student outcomes. Letters are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. The FLKRS-WSS Parent Letter is located in the Student Reports Tab

Contact Information IEN Helpdesk Colleen Risner Daphne Csonka