0 Opening Doors Elementary School Place your logo here

1

2 What is PARCC? Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a group of 12 states and the District of Columbia that have worked together with thousands of teachers and education experts to develop a modern set of learning tools that assess and measure what a student knows and can do. Since 2010 states have adopted new, higher academic standards and teachers have begun teaching them in their daily instruction. Honest, fair and transparent assessments were needed to align with the new standards and allow teachers and parents to open the door to student success. These carefully prepared tests are engaging for students and effectively measure achievement across all levels. The tests tell teachers, students and parents whether a student is on track for the next steps in their education and mark students’ progress from third grade up. Your logo here

3 PARCC in (STATE) In August 2010, (STATE) voluntarily adopted new, college and career-ready academic standards in an effort to better prepare our children for the next steps in their education and in life, and to bolster a competitive and thriving state economy. School districts developed curriculum to meet the new standards and teachers have begun instruction of the curriculum. (Insert information on state/local implementation of assessments) (Insert state specifics on which tests being taken and grades taking them) Note: Use US map in resources to zoom in on your state and place picture here Your logo here

4 What makes PARCC different? Will help ensure all students, regardless of income or family background, have equal access to a world- class education to prepare them for success in college and careers. Serve as an educational GPS system, assessing where a student currently is and the best route to get to where they need to be by graduation so they are career and college ready. Will help students achieve, which will lead to a better-educated workforce, stronger communities and a more competitive United States. PARCC assessments: Not only evaluate a student’s progress, but also show teachers and parents where a student needs help so they are able to personalize instruction to meet individual student needs. Your logo here

5 What makes PARCC different? It tests critical thinking, rather than rote memorization. The test goes well beyond the traditional bubble tests by measuring critical thinking and problem solving skills that are very important in college and the workforce. Other testsPARCC assessments Primarily use multiple-choice format that emphasizes memorization, “test prep” and guessing. Allow students to submit answers and detailed responses, eliminating guesswork and allowing students to show their thinking and knowledge. Test students’ rote learning. Assess students’ abilities to read carefully, communicate clearly and problem solve. Offer basic, one-step problems.Present challenging, multi-tiered problems. Are too vague to offer detailed insight to gauge students’ readiness for the next step toward success. Provide students, parents and educators detailed information so they can understand how students are progressing, where they need assistance and where they can be encouraged to do more. Your logo here

6 Sample Questions To take a practice PARCC test, go to Your logo here

7 Sample Questions Your logo here Math Grade 4

8 Time spent testing Students will engage in the tests a few days in early spring, and a few days in late spring. Most students will spend about four hours each on the mathematics and English language arts/literacy portions of the test throughout the year, totaling less than 1% of the school year. Those will be broken down into smaller units that will take about 40 to 60 minutes, though schools will schedule up to 90 minutes for each unit to make sure that all students have the time they need. Students with disabilities may have more time, as is called for in their Individualized Education Plan. Your logo here

9 Technology In (SCHOOL) students will take the PARCC assessments on (COMPUTER/PAPER/COMPUTER AND PAPER). PARCC states understand that in the 21 st century students need to have access to technology in the classroom throughout the year, not just at testing time, ensuring they are comfortable using the technology. The technology gives students independence and is more engaging, as it includes videos and interactive tools. Students are the drivers of their own testing experience which gives them confidence. PARCC is using Universal Design principles to make the new tests as accessible as possible to all students, including English learners and students with disabilities. Paper-and-pencil assessments will be available for those students who require them. Your logo here

10 Timeline FallSummerSpring WinterFall Summer Performance-based assessment Fall Block Administration Field tests/Practice tests Online practice tests Release test results Research from field tests End-of-Year assessment Your logo here

11 Parent Score Report PARCC state leaders and educators have designed a detailed and clear student assessment report on how your student is progressing and where he or she needs assistance. The PARCC score report uses clear icons and colors combined with information to explain results and resources for more information. The report is intended to help you work with your student’s teachers and school officials to decide how best to support your student’s needs.

12 How You Can Support your Child Read a combination of fiction and non-fiction aloud or with your child. Look for subjects of interest – from sports heroes to dinosaurs. Discuss and “do” real life math with your child. Help him/her know basic math facts. Discuss the new tests with your child. Make sure he/she is not scared or anxious going into the new tests. Explain to your child that the tests will initially be more challenging. Tell your child to do his/her best on the test and that you are there to help every step of the way. After the test, review the results with your child. Bring the teacher into the discussion as needed. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home and make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before a test. Above all, be positive and encouraging about the tests. Your logo here

13 Additional Parent Resources PARCC offers information about the assessments including fact sheets, a glossary and sample test questions. – (State or district) Resources – (Add state resources here) National Parent Teacher Association offers grade-by-grade parent guides for student success. Available in English and Spanish. – Great Schools offers Milestones, a free online collection of videos aimed at helping parents understand grade-level expectations in grades K-5. – America Achieves – Raise the Bar offers free parent resources to help children succeed in school. Must sign up. – Your logo here

14 Contact Information For more information about the PARCC assessments, contact: – Presenter contact: name and number – Local School contact: name and number – School District contact: name and number – State Board of Education contact: name and number – PARCC contact: Your logo here