Welcome to Carroll Elementary STAAR Parent Meeting Tuesday, March 26, 2013

What is STAAR? State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness This test will assess the content standards at a greater depth and at a higher level of complexity. 70% of the STAAR will be College Readiness Standards!

For grades 3–8, STAAR tests are in same grades and subjects as TAKS.  3–8 mathematics  3–8 reading  4 and 7 writing  5 and 8 science  8 social studies The Basics

The Difference The questions on the new STAAR will be deeper and more complex than TAKS. (Refer to Blueprint) 1) In reading, greater emphasis will be given to critical analysis, rather than to literal understanding. 2) In writing, students will be required to write two essays instead of one, and the English EOC assessments will be administered over two days. 3) In science and math, the number of open-ended questions will increase to allow students to derive an answer independently. 4) The STAAR assessment is timed. Students will only have 4 hours.

TAKS vs. STAAR TAKS (TEKS 3.10A) STAAR (TEKS 3.10A) R

TAKS (TEKS 3.5B)STAAR (TEKS 3.5B) TAKS vs. STAAR

STAAR Dates 2013 Content Area MathReadingScienceWriting 3 rd April 23April 24 xx 4 th April 23April 24 x April 2 & 3 rd 5 th April 2 May 14 (SSI) April 3 May 15 (SSI) April 24 x

Defining Student Success Initiative (SSI) What is SSI? SSI (enacted in 1999) is a system of support structured to ensure that all students gain sufficient understanding of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The grade advancement requirements of SSI apply to: Grade 5 (beginning ) Reading Mathematics Grade 8 (beginning in ) Reading Mathematics

What does this means? Under SSI, a student in Grade 5 or 8 may only advance to the next grade level by: Passing their STAAR Math and Reading assessments. OR Unanimous decision of the Grade Placement Committee (GPC) that the student is likely to perform at grade level at the end of the next year given additional accelerated instruction. Testing requirements: Up to 3 testing opportunities in Spring and Summer Accelerated instruction after each testing opportunity.

Additional Information Although SSI only address reading and mathematics, all content areas are equally important. At the end of the academic year, we will average each content area’s Semester 1 and Semester 2 final grade. This average MUST be 70% or higher in order for your child to be promoted.

Plan of Action Campus/Classroom Interventions One on One Support: Guiding individual students to master the developing academic skills. Small groups: Students are grouped by developing academic skills and are provided with reinforcing activities. All-STAARs Saturday Camp After/Before school tutorials Computer Program – Big Brainz: Fun and engaging way to master multiplication facts

Classroom Interventions Mini-Lessons: Implementation of mini lessons instead of full lessons in order to increase the amount of time in class to practice the concepts taught in the lesson. Intervention rotation: Students are given the opportunity to work with a different classroom teacher as a way to hear the lesson taught differently, hear different strategies, or practice different strategies. Building a break: A break for their brains during the math and reading lesson. A 5-minute brain breather for the kids to distress.

Guided Reading, Math and Science Stations STAAR-based Content: The activities in the stations are connected to the learning objectives that will be assessed by the State of Texas. Small Groups for Reading and Math Instruction: A time to re-teach and practice the skill one particular group of students need to work on.

Guided Reading, Math and Science Stations Team Work: The students work in groups as they rotate through the different stations after completing the assigned activity. Student Engagement: A variety of activities are designed to ensure the students are actively engaged while developing their weaknesses and enriching their strengths.

What can you do at home? Reading Start a reading routine Read daily at home Reread favorite books Visit public library Show daily reading and writing. Example: groceries, notes, recipes, etc. Talk in complete sentences Offer a variety of books to read Math Have a positive attitude about math Point out everyday math Ask what they are learning in math class Have high expectations Work with your student if there are learning difficulties Spend time on activities that involve math

For more information please refer to the Texas Education Agency website. Additional Resources

Questions?