2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test Transitioning from STAR to CAASPP

Video from California Department of Education

Smarter Balanced Assessments are one component in California’s Testing System now known as: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress CAASPP 3

CAASPP Elements Include… Smarter Balanced Assessments California English Language Development Test California High School Exit Exam Early Assessment Program California Alternative Performance Assessment

The SBAC is an important component in our journey towards implementation of college and career- ready standards Supt. Torlakson begins outreach to develop recommendations for new assessment system (required by AB250 March 2012) California getting ready for a next generation, world-class assessment system ▪ Recommending bridge materials ▪ Developing new curriculum frameworks ▪ Building new professional development modules ▪ Adopting new instructional materials ▪ Field testing the Smarter Balanced tests in all eligible grades 1997 Standards of performance established to signal college and career readiness CA aligns assessments to standards STAR to sunset (July 2014) – AB STAR to be replaced January 2014 California joins Smarter Balanced as a governing State 2016… Full implementation and beyond… CA develops rigorous set of standards Pilot test Smarter Balanced summative Field test Smarter Balanced summative California adopts Common Core State Standards authorized through SB15X legislation Smarter Balanced launched, Common Core State Standards measured and modeled in every California classroom CDE releases Common Core implementation plan “Transitioning to a New Assessment System” report released by Supt. Torlakson

Improving Teaching & Learning Common Core State Standards specify K-12 expectations for college and career readiness Common Core State Standards specify K-12 expectations for college and career readiness All students leave high school college and career ready Teachers and schools have information and tools they need to improve teaching and learning Summative: College and career readiness assessments for accountability Interim: Flexible and open assessments, used for actionable feedback Formative resources: Supporting classroom-based assessments to improve instruction

“Test the Test” Evaluate testing software Ensure quality of test questions Evaluate the effectiveness of the test administration and training materials Establish scoring and reporting levels “Dress rehearsal” for operational assessments in 2015 − “Stress test” LEA technology − Familiarize educators, administrators, and students with online testing Purpose of the Smarter Balanced Field Test

Benefits of Field Test Participation Students will have hands-on experience with the functionality of a computer-based assessment. Teachers and administrators will gain valuable exposure to administration logistics during a trial run. Local educational agencies (LEAs) will benefit from having learned where technology gaps may exist, and then can fully prepare for operational assessments.

Planning and Logistics Field Test window for most Sonoma County districts is: April 7– May 16, 2014

Planning and Logistics The field test is estimated to take approximately 3.5 hours though it is untimed Content: 25 ELA questions 25 mathematics questions 1 performance task (either ELA or math; there will be a prescribed classroom activity prior to performance task)

Example : For a grade taking both content areas and an ELA PT. Example Testing Schedules MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday All Math non-PTAll ELA non-PTClassroom activity ELA PT Part 1ELA PT Part 2

Specifically designed by Smarter Balanced to provide secure access to the Field Test. Prevents students from accessing other hardware and software functions. A secure browser must be installed on all student computers/devices. Test Administrator computers will use a standard Web browser. Secure Browser

Students must use the secure browser to log in to the Student Interface and access the Field Test. Prohibits access to external applications or navigation away from the test Prior to testing, TAs should verify that: -External user applications are closed The secure browser will not work if the computer detects that a forbidden application is running. -No testing on computers with dual monitors Students must not take the test on computers connected to more than one monitor. Secure Browser (cont.)

Two components: Performance task (PT) A set of complex questions that is centered on a common theme or problem; requires classroom activity Non–performance task (non-PT) e.g., Selected Response, Drag and Drop, Matching Tables Note: The Field Test is computer-based, not computer adaptive. We need to try out the test questions during the Field Test before tests can be made adaptive for the first operational administration in Field Test Format

Methods of Response… Multiple choice –one correct response –multiple correct responses –two-part Matching tables –yes/no –true/false Fill-in tables Select or order text or graphics Drag and drop Graphing Equation or numeric response Short text Long essay

Comparison of Training Test and Practice Test Training TestPractice Test Purpose Provide students with an opportunity to quickly become familiar with the software and interface features Provide students with a grade specific testing experience that is similar in structure and format to the field test Grade Levels 3 grade bands High school Each grade 3-8, 11 Number and Types of Items Approximately 15 items per grade band (6 in ELA and 8-9 in math) No Performance Tasks Approximately 30 items in ELA and 30 items in math per grade level Includes 1 ELA PT and 1 math PT per grade level Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations All included on field test are included Most included Refresh scheduled for late April

CDE Web site: -or- California Smarter Balanced Portal: Accessing the Training Tests and Practice Tests

Screenshot of Practice Tests and Training Tests

Performance Task (PT) PT is a required portion of the Field Test. All participating students will take one PT in either ELA or mathematics. Students answer a set of complex questions that are centered on a common theme or situation. Goal is to measure depth of understanding, and research and analysis skills, which cannot be adequately assessed with other types of questions. Encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to real-world problems. 20

Performance Task (continued) ELA PT has two parts and can be completed in two days. Once a student completes Part 1, he/she cannot return to it. Mathematics PT has one part and can be completed in one day. PT should not be administered on the same day as the non-PT part of the Field Test (recommended). Sample PT with scoring guides are included in the Practice Test, but not in the Training Test.. 21

Sample Performance Task Classroom Activity Students are required to participate in a classroom activity before administration of the PT. It should be conducted 1 to 3 days before the administration of the PT. It is a teacher-led activity designed to provide students with information and key terms that would be helpful to the student knowing prior to taking the PT. Sample classroom activities are included in the Practice Test, but not in the Training Test. 22

Additional Information About SBAC Performance Tasks

Accessibility & Accommodations 24

Universal Tools All students have the ability to: Highlight text in passages and test questions Zoom in and out of test pages (affects all item content) Mark specific items for review Strikethrough (cross out answer options) Use the Notepad or Calculator (depending on the test) Use the [Expand] button to display a reading passage or a science simulation

Context Menus Context Menu for Questions Context Menu for Answer Options

Carefully and completely read and sign new security affidavit. Complete test administration training View student information prior to testing, to ensure it is correct; ensure that appropriate designated supports and accommodations have been set prior to testing. Set up and proctor testing. Increase comfort levels and reduce anxiety of students; encourage students to do their best. Test Administrator (TA)

TIDE is a password-protected Web site that provides administrators with tools to manage users and students participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test. Repository for student information, including initial test settings and accommodations Different levels of user access Just for the Field Test, not remaining paper-pencil tests Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE)

Accessing TIDE Users may access a link to the California Smarter Balanced Portal on the California TAC website at Selecting the portal link will bring you to the page below. To access TIDE, select the Field Test link. A direct link to the California Smarter Balanced Portal may be found in the TIDE User Guide. Note: DCs add SC users; SCs add TA users.

Accessing TIDE

TIDE: Logging In To log in, the user should enter his or her username and password. If a user has access to multiple schools or districts, he or she may be prompted to choose an LEA, and/or a school.

Navigating TIDE The TIDE interface uses tabs as the principal means of navigating between tasks. Some tasks in the TIDE interface contain multiple sub-tasks. TIDE shows only the features that are available to the user based on his or her role.

TIDE: Student Information Tab The Student Information tab may be used to: Search for existing student records Export a list of existing student records View an existing student record View and update student test settings

TIDE: View Student Information Student demographic data is read-only. Changes must be submitted to CALPADS and will be reflected within 48 hours.

Test Administrator Interface TAs need to use the interface to administer a test session. The Test Administrator User Guide will be available on the California Smarter Balanced portal under Field Test > Resources and Documentation. This document will contain complete instructions on how to complete tasks in the Test Delivery System (TDS). Reminder: The easiest way to reach the California Smarter Balanced Portal is by visiting and selecting the portal button.

Accessing the Test Administrator Interface On the California Smarter Balanced Portal, select [Field Tests] on the left- hand side of the page. The TA Interface button will be available to select.

Resources to Support Your Work with the 2014 SBAC Field Test

Resources to Support Your Work with the 2014 SBAC Field Test Real Time & Recorded Webinars Performance Tasks | For teachers and administrators | Overview of what can be expected during the administration of the Performance Tasks Test Administrator Interface | For test coordinators and teachers | Information on the look, feel, and navigation of the administrator interface Student Interface | For students and district/school administrators | Navigating and interacting with the screens that the students will see Test Administrator Training | For test administrators | Information related to preparing for the test, general test administration, and test security Accessibility and Accommodations | For teachers and parents | Overview of various tools that are provided to accommodate student testing needs

More Resources Smarter Balanced Field Test Overview Video Examples of Performance Tasks / CORE ance+Assessment++Modules mance+Assessment+Modules Other training modules & materials / Frequently Asked Questions content/uploads/2013/12/SmarterBalanced_Guidelines_FAQ.pdf