Testing and Assessment Grades K-12 Byron-Bergen Central School February 27, 2003

Testing Committee Members NancyJean Osborn, Chairperson, Elementary Principal Donna Schalge, Executive Principal 5-12 Loren Penman, Director of Learning Terri Tobias, Director of Technology Judy Boyle, Reading Coordinator K-12 Karen D’Aurizio, Elementary Counselor Sarah Westbrook, Special Education – MS/ES Debbie Slocum, Third Grade Susan Sorrentino, Third Grade Kristine Taylor, Second Grade Lynn Hughes, Second Grade Heather Cromey, Fourth Grade Sue Eick, Parent Lori Nelson, Board of Education Liaison Wendy Didas, Parent

Testing Committee Charge Inventory and evaluate standardized, New York State, and District testing practices including Kindergarten Screening. Make recommendations on future District assessment practices including: Off-grade testing Final and midterm exams Alternative assessments Recording of data Presentation of data Instructional application

New York State Assessments Grades SubjectGrade ELA4 Math4 Science4 Social Studies5 ELA8 Math8 Social Studies8 Science8 Social Studies8

Kindergarten Screening Current Practice Elementary Secretary gathers enrollment numbers from area preschools. Parent Information Night Held in March. Screening of individual students by the elementary counselor in May. Parents meet with the School Nurse to review paperwork.

Commencement Requirements Required Regents Exams: Global History and Geography US History and Government Living Environment Math A ELA

Commencement Options Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation: Five Required Regents Exams Math B Regents Regents Exam in Physical Science (Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics) French or Spanish Comprehensive Regents

Commencement Options Advanced Placement Courses: Biology English Calculus Studio in Art RCT Exams options for students with IEP Writing Reading Global Studies US History Science

Off-Grade Testing K-8 Current Practice Kdg. – Grade 3:Early Literacy Profile Grades 1 – 6: Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) Grades 5 – 7: McGraw Hill Math Grades 2 & 5: OLSAT

Final and Midterm Exams Current Practice Grades 5 – 8: Midterm and Final Exams administered at the discretion of the teacher. Grades 9 – 12: Midterm and Final Exams administered in core areas. Exemptions based on grades is allowed some areas.

Utilization of Data Implementation of the following recommendations will provide relevant and effective data relating to student achievement. Results will be analyzed and used to improve instructional practices for individuals, groups of students and programs to improve student achievement.

Kindergarten Screening Charge the ESCPT with developing a comprehensive plan to revise and update Kindergarten screening. A group from the ESCPT will include Kindergarten teachers, the Reading Coordinator, the Elementary Counselor, and parents. Results along with a detailed plan of action will be reported to the ESCPT no later than October 15, This will allow updated Kindergarten screening to be in place and operational for the 2004 – 2005 school year.

Otis Lennon School Ability Test Grades 2 and 5 Eliminate the administration of the OLSAT in grades 2 and 5. This will allow for increased instructional time related to NYS Learning standards.

Scholastic Achievement Test Eliminate the administration of the SAT at Grades 1,5 and 6. Eliminate the administration of the Science and Social Studies components of the SAT at Grade 3. R etain administration of the SAT Reading and Math components at Grades 2 and 3 for the 2003 – 2004 school year.

Midterm and Final Examinations Grades 5-12 Midterm and Final Exams will be required for all students in Grades with no exemptions. Grades 5 and 6 Midterm and Final Exams in the 4 core areas – up to one hour in duration. Grade 8 Comprehensive Exam or Project MSCPT is to recommend appropriate implementation of a comprehensive examination practice. Results to the MS House Principal and Executive Principal by May 15, 2003.

PSAT, SAT, ASVAB ASVAB will no longer be administered ~ final administration was February, HSCPT is to review the current practice of administration of the PSAT and SAT during the school day. Recommendations to the Executive Principal 5 – 12 by October 15, 2003.

Alternative Assessments Grades 2-8 A committee will be formed to investigate alternative assessments for Off Grade Testing in Grades 2 – 8. Recommendations made will be to adopt assessments that parallel the NYS Standards and Assessments and include the requirements for NCLB. Results to Testing Committee Chair by October 15, 2003.