Minnesota Assessment Conference Mathematics MCA-III Online Testing Jennifer Dugan, Sandy Gimpl, and Rosemary Heinitz

2 Math MCA-II vs. MCA-III Grades 3-8 MCA-II was operational through Spring 2010 administration Aligned to 2003 Academic Standards Initial administration of MCA-III in grades 3-8 will be during school year Aligned to 2007 Academic Standards

3 Background 2007 math standards were finalized in Math MCA-III Test Specifications Committee drafted first version of the test specifications in –Test specifications will be in draft form until the first administration of the test. Math MCA-III items were field tested in both 2009 and 2010 spring administrations. A Math MCA-III online Fall Field Test was given to some students in fall 2009.

4 Designing the MCA-III How can we provide – 1)the highest quality assessment 2)with the most information for educators 3)that takes the least amount of time to administer and 4)the timeliest results? Timely Results Short Administration High Quality Most Information

5 MCA-III Components Computer administered tests (CAT) Technology-based items (computer scored) assess higher-order thinking skills Flexible assessment window allows for convenient administration during the school year Computer-scored exams provide usable information during the school year Computer-adaptive assessment provides more precise information about students’ knowledge and skills

Administration Computer administration with engaging, interactive items (not adaptive) Longer online test window to allow for more scheduling choices Ability for students to start and stop the online test during the test window Online calculator and formula sheet

Administration Paper administration also available –Accommodations One administration per student Spring 2011 results available after performance levels are established (Standard Setting) Minnesota Assessment Conference

Administration Audio available to all students in online On-demand – controlled by the student Does not describe graphics Audio pauses when there is text in the item that is not read (graphics, expressions, numbers) Vast majority of students’ audio needs should be met Paper continues to have script and CD Describes graphics Available for students with IEP or 504

Online vs. Paper Audio The table shows Jimmy’s and Linda’s ages. How old will Linda be when Jimmy is 13 years old? A.9 B.12 C.16 D Jimmy’s Age Linda’s Age Jimmy’s and Linda’s Ages on January 1

10 Item Types Multiple Choice Technology Enhanced (only on the online test) –Hot spot –Drag and drop –Graphing –Numeric type-in Gridded Response (only on the paper test)

11 Screen Tools Pointer tool Eliminate choice tool Highlighter tool Eraser tool Calculator Formula sheet Help tool Back/next buttons Reset button Audio box

12 Graphing Item Type

13 Fill-In Item Type

14 MCA-III Support Materials Samplers –Familiarize students with the overall testing experience Online and paper versions – same items used in both formats –Do not predict performance on MCA-III –Current schedule has fall release Tutorial –Gives information on online tools, procedures for navigating through the test, etc. –Current schedule has fall release

15 MCA-III Support Materials Formula Sheets –MCA-III Formula Sheets aligned to 2007 standards –Grades 5-8 Released Items –Provided in subsequent years as testing pool allow Minnesota Assessment Conference

16 Test Specifications Not final until first administration MCA-III and Modified Combined for 3-8

17 Other Minnesota Math Assessments 2010 was last year for MTELL –Universal Design and Simplified Language Principles implemented in MCA-III development 2011 MCA-II Grade 11 –Aligned to 2003 Math standards –CRs eliminated 2011 MCA-Modified will be operational –Grades 5-8 aligned to 2007 Math standards –Grade 11 aligned to 2003 Math standards 2011 MTAS –Grades 5-8 aligned to 2007 Math standards –Grade 11 aligned to 2003 Math standards

18 Plans for Administration Adaptive computer administration with engaging, interactive items Paper administration also available Three administrations per student Test window late fall - spring Ability for students to start and stop the test during the test window Preliminary results by student available immediately

19 Plans for Administration Audio available to all students in online Text to speech Paper continues to have script and CD Describes graphics Available for students with IEP or 504

20 How can you become involved? Unique professional development opportunity at no cost to districts Teachers learn how tests are built Teachers learn the standards intimately Teachers advise MDE on how items are developed and tests are built Teachers see student performance across the state

21 MDE Contact Information Jennifer Dugan –Supervisor Test Development –(651) Sandy Gimpl –Math Assessment Specialist –(651) Rosemary Heinitz –Math Assessment Specialist –(651)