Common Core and Important changes in NYS Testing Parent Workshop Presented by Nicole Rini, Parent Coordinator

What are the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) ? A single set of clear standards for English language arts and mathematics A tool to help students and parents set clear and realistic goals for success A first step in providing young people with the high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and careers

Why Now? Disparate standards across states Student mobility Global competition Today’s jobs require different skills

Why is This Important for Students, Teachers, and Parents? Prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and work Ensures consistent expectations regardless of a student’s zip code Provides educators, parents, and students with clear, focused guideposts

College Readiness College readiness means that graduates have the skills they need to do well in college “College” doesn’t just mean a four-year degree. It can mean any program that leads to a degree or certificate. Being “ready” means that students graduate from high schools with strong skills in English and mathematics.

Career Readiness Career readiness means that high school graduates are qualified for and able to do well in long-term careers. Career” doesn’t just mean a job. It means a profession that lets graduates succeed at a job they enjoy and earn a competitive wage.

The new standards will… Prepare students to succeed in college and the workforce Ensure that every child—regardless of race, ethnicity or zip code—is held to the same high standards and learns the same material Provide educators with a clear, focused roadmap for what to teach and when

What’s different in the new standards? English Language Arts/Literacy: Focus on non-fiction, careful reading Discuss reading and write using evidence Increase academic vocabulary Mathematics Learn more about fewer concepts Focus on skill building, speed and accuracy Use of real world examples to better understand concepts

The Need for Assessments Aligned to the CCSS CCSS did not increase the amount of testing for students Students benefit from measures that determine whether or not every student has the same basic foundation to prepare for college, careers and life. Students also benefit from when teachers and principals know which students are progressing, falling behind, excelling and which teachers need extra support. In the absence of state tests, there is no objective way to determine progress across all schools and districts.

No Need to Stress! Learning rigorous content is challenging and engaging to students – adults need to be supportive and affirming. By providing proper support and messages, parents can build on their child’s knowledge, confidence and future opportunities. Assessments are only a moment in time for students to demonstrate what they know and for adults to be able to help them achieve even more.

3 Major Changes to NYS tests for 2016 Increased teacher participation in creating exams Decrease in the number of test questions More time for students

Major Change: Educators involved in the test development process A direct response to the largest # of test refusals in the nation Previous tests were flawed by mistakes and ambiguous answers, and transitions to CCSS 150+ teachers reviewed, field tested questions and created the final test forms, then reviewed them before printing

Major Change: Decrease in the number of test questions

Major Change: More time NOT untimed – student must be productively working Allows children to work at their own pace Schools and Districts will use their own discretion to create their own approach

Some minor changes to testing Field testing Questions reduced in # and volunteered by districts Computer-based testing Immediate feedback, innovative test questions

Parent Resources and Support Schools.nyc.gov Engageny.org PTC/SLC – parent involvement