What Every Parent Needs To Know: How to help in the transition to STAAR

A new vertical state system Legislation requires a system of performance standards that are linked from grade to grade, starting with postsecondary-readiness performance standards down through grade 3 2

New Test – New Opportunities 3

We have been down this path before! And each time we needed a little time to learn the new system. And each test added a new layer of rigor and a new set of expectations for our students and for our teachers. And each time we have succeeded! And we will again… 4

5 Let’s look at the tests our kids took before STAAR.

One Step: 1.Fewest barrels TABS Exit Level Math Texas Assessment of Basic Skills

Two Steps: 1.Find point on graph 2.Multiply 30 pupils x $300 = $9,000 TEAMS Exit Level Math Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills

Three Steps: 1.Find paper on pie chart 2.Divide tons of paper by total tons: 72/180 3.Convert to 40% TAAS Exit Level Math Texas Assessment of Academic Skills

Five Steps: 1.Add all votes = 1,200 2.Determine which student finished 3 rd (Bridget: 240 votes) 3.Determine Bridget’s %age of votes 240 / 1,200 = 20% 4.Know that a pie chart has 360 total degrees 5.Determine 20% of 360 degrees:.20 x 360 = 72 TAKS Exit Level Math Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

Five Steps: 1.The student must know how to apply the quadratic formula to find the value of the discrimant b²-4ac 2.Find quadratic equation on formula chart: 3.If b² - 4ac > 0 there are two real number roots of the equation and the graph of the parabola crosses the x-axis at those roots 4.If b² - 4ac = 0 there is a “multiple” or repeated root of the equation and the vertex of the graph of the parabola touches the x-axis at that root. 5. If b² - 4ac < 0 the roots of the equation are imaginary numbers and the graph of the parabola does not intersect the x-axis STAAR Exit Level Math? State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness 2012-? 10

What do we know about STAAR? Will begin in – Grades 3 through 8 – First year 9 th graders – 10 th and 11 th graders will still take TAKS 11

Grades 3-8 Reading – Gr. 3-8 Math – Gr. 3-8 Writing – Gr. 4 & 7 Science – Gr. 5 & 8 Soc. Studies – Gr. 8 High School COURSES MathEnglishScienceSoc Studies Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Eng I Engl II Eng III Biology Chemistry Physics World Geo. World Hist. U.S. History The high school level STAAR tests are COURSE tests, NOT grade level tests What tests will students have to take?

STAAR IS AN ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC READINESS 13

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC READINESS? 14

What did TAKS ask? Did our students learn what they were supposed to learn in their current grade or course? 15

What does STAAR ask? – Did our students learn what they were supposed to learn in their current grade or course? – Are they ready for the next grade or course? – And the one after that? 16

AND ULTIMATELY… ARE OUR STUDENTS READY FOR COLLEGE OR A CAREER? 17

What’s tested on STAAR? The TEKS - the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills – Readiness standards: – 30-35% of the assessed curriculum / 60-65% of the STAAR test – Supporting standards – 60-65% of the assessed curriculum / 30-35% of the STAAR test – Process Standards – the skills – assessed with other standards (Ex: map skills, math tools, problem- solving)

What does rigor mean? 19 STAAR will be significantly more “rigorous” than TAKS

What does “more rigorous” mean? The questions are more complex and require more thinking. What is most important for a student to learn in a grade level will have more questions on the test. The test will be longer.

STAAR is a longer test… Math Gr = +6 questions Reading 3-8 = +4 questions Writing = +1 additional composition Science= +4 questions Social Studies Gr 8 = +4 questions EOC = +2 to 13 questions 21

STAAR REQUIRES MORE THINKING!

= 35 2.Bubble in “D” 1.60 x 70 = ÷ 175 = x 7 = Bubble in “G” STAAR Item Will there really be a difference? TAKS Item

Grade 5 MathTAKSSTAAR Number of scored items4450 Average steps to solve (Hypothetical) 34 TOTAL STEPS (Hypothetical) Comparison of Processing Skills

Reading Schematic Grade 5

Reading Schematic Grade 6

Science TAKS B STAAR Sample

What will it take to pass STAAR? Students will have to get more items correct than on TAKS. The passing standard will first be established for English III and Algebra II – Linked to college readiness – Linked by grade level down to 3 rd grade 28

STAAR... some changes Time limits – All STAAR assessments Grade 3 through EOC will have a four hour time limit Accommodations for dyslexia - There is no longer a bundle: students served as dyslexic will be eligible for extended time (until the end of the school day) and to have questions and answers read aloud 29

What about tests for students served in special education? Accommodations will be allowed on STAAR, but have not yet been defined or clarified. STAAR Modified will be available for students who meet the criteria. STAAR Alternate will be available for students who have significant cognitive disabilities. 30

When will I know how my student did? Standards will be set after the students are tested for the first time in the Spring of Raw scores will be the only information provided to schools, students, and parents. – Ex: Hannah got 40 out of 50 correct on 5 th grade math. Pass/fail performance will not be released until the Fall of 2012.

What about the SSI requirement for 5 th grade? Because there will be no performance standards in place for grades 3–8 in the 2011–2012 school year, students cannot be held subject to state assessment SSI requirements. Each school district will be required however to determine criteria to use in place of state assessments (grades, teacher recommendation, local assessments, raw score).

How can I help? Vocabulary – help your student practice the key vocabulary of each content area, it is vital to their ability to be successful. Study skills – make sure your student is developing skills that will help them be successful on the STAAR and in their classes (Ex: homework, review of foundational skills, reading regularly). Communication – with your student and their teacher. – Make sure you know what they are expected to be learning – support the teacher with activities at home and keeping students accountable for their learning.

How can I help? Attendance – the curriculum is more rigorous and at a faster pace than ever before, being absent puts your student at a serious disadvantage Monitor homework completion – remember this is a timed test – students need to be practicing on completing assignments in a reasonable amount of time – work completed at school will be timed as well and may affect grades.

Where can I find more information? GPISD Website: Departments – Curriculum and Assessment TEA Website Teacher Websites

Questions???