In the Spotlight: TNReady TechReady Skills Dr. David Timbs Supervisor of Instructional Technology Johnson City Schools September 4, 2015

Essential Questions: What do the TNReady item types tell us about necessary technology skills? What key teacher and student technology practices do we need to be encouraging?.

Before we begin… Remember that at the end of the day TNReady is about application of skills described in the standards. Student practice (and teacher!) in the platform or similar platforms is crucial to providing both comfort and familiarity. MICA (reflects samples across item types) MIST (reflects short form of TNReady test) Other formative assessment platforms (such as Interactive Achievement or Study Island)

Before we begin… Practicing early and often will increase students’ comfort and familiarity with the online platform. Remember that technology skills should be blended into teaching and learning often to make the transition to the testing environment seamless. Continue to focus on standards and learning vs. test questions and drill and practice.

Think about how millennials learn and about how they might demonstrate that learning in what they “show” you in class and on an assessment…

The Millennial Learner’s Activities  and instant messaging  Blogging, Podcasting  High-technology gadgets  “Multiprocessing” and multitasking  Prefer teamwork, group projects, service learning, community service  Entertainment and excitement

The Millennial: Visions for Learning Environments Intensive use of technology Games Games virtual world experiences virtual world experiences online classes online classes computer or online assignments computer or online assignments digital teachers digital teachers e-books, personalized learning e-books, personalized learning Source: Visions 2020 at

Teacher and Student Technology Practices “If we are serious about pursuing a college and career readiness agenda for all students, it will be vital to leverage the power of technology to improve instruction, assessment and professional development…” - State Educational Technology Directors Association “If the American education system is to prepare its students to meet the demands of an increasingly technological world, indeed if it is to be effective at all, must integrate technology into the academic curriculum.” – Dr. Bill Daggett If this is true, then shouldn’t how we assess change as well?

Math Item Types Overview There are 6 types of items in Mathematics: 1. Equation 2. Graphic 3. Multiple Choice 4. Multiple Select 5. Performance Tasks 6. Technology Enhanced Items (TEI)

Math Item Types Overview Each item type has: a brief description a brief description an example an example scoring information scoring information information on inclusion in Part I and/or Part II information on inclusion in Part I and/or Part II an approximate percentage of total score points an approximate percentage of total score points

Type 1: Equation Skill: Equation Editor, Typing

Type 2: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 2: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 2: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 3: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 3: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 3: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 3: Graphic (several variations) Skill: Clicking to add points, draw lines, connect lines

Type 4: Multiple Choice Skill: Selecting from dropdown list, clicking one right answer

Type 4: Multiple Choice Skill: Pulling answers from a drop down, eliminating choices, and clicking the correct answer.

Type 5: Multiple Select Skill: Check boxes, matching tables, and selecting objects

Type 5: Multiple Select Skill: Check boxes, matching tables, and selecting objects

Type 5: Multiple Select Skill: Check boxes, matching tables, and selecting objects

Type 5: Multiple Select Skill: Check boxes, matching tables, and selecting objects

Type 6: Performance Tasks (Grades 3-8 this year only) Skill: Typing short and long explanations

ELA Item Types Overview There are 5 types of ELA item types: There are 5 types of ELA item types: 1. Writing tasks 2. Technology-enhanced (TEI) 3. Multiple choice 4. Multiple select 5. Evidence-based selected response Each item type includes a: Each item type includes a: – Description – Example – Scoring information – Approximate percentage of total score points

Type 1: Writing Task (Part I only) Skills: Reading and writing in an online environment, note-taking, using evidence to support claims and counter-claims Points/Percentage: Note the rubric change back to 16 points; percentage of test will be 25-30% (as of now)

Type 2: Technology Enhanced Skills: Moving blocks of texts, selecting texts, using a drip down menu, matching text in two columns, and ordering blocks of text Points/Percentage: 20-30%; 1-2 points each with partial credit available on Part II Note: Items assessing conventions are technology enhanced by using drop-down or typing the correct answer in the box. Use MICA! Remember: Practice early and often!

Type 3: Multiple Choice Skills: Selecting the correct answer Points/Percentage: 20-25%; 1 point each on Part II

Type 3: Multiple Choice Skills: Selecting the correct answer Points/Percentage: 20-25%; 1 point each on Part II

Type 4: Multiple Select Skills: Selecting the correct answers using check boxes (round for multiple choice and square for multiple select) Points/Percentage: 5-10%; 1-2 points each with partial credit depending on item complexity on Part II

Type 5: Evidence-Based Selected Response Skills: Reading passages and clicking on answers to multi-step questions Points/Percentage: 10-20%; 1-2 points each with once correct answer in each part (on Part II)

Type 5: Evidence-Based Selected Response Skills: Reading passages and clicking on answers to multi-step questions Points/Percentage: 10-20%; 1-2 points each with once correct answer in each part (on Part II)

Keyboarding Skills in the Standards Keyboarding skills are explicitly included in the ELA standards in grade K.With guidance and support from adults, explore a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. 1:With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. 2:With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. 3:With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills). 4:Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting. 5:Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting. 6:Demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.

What are the necessary technology practices needed for success on TNReady? Regular practice with the item sampler (MICA). Regular practice experiencing the variety of question types. Timed tasks and sample assessments online. Regular practice word processing. Teachers modeling expectations of online performance Reading texts on a monitor, highlighting, scrolling, etc.. Regular practice on a calculator where blueprints indicate.

Teacher and Student Technology Practices

Popular Resources to consider: Google Apps, Youtube, Twitter, Haiku, Naiku, Blackboard, Canvas, Office 365 including OneNote

Reminders from the beginning… Practicing early and often will increase students’ comfort and familiarity with the online platform. Remember that technology skills should be blended into teaching and learning often to make the transition to the testing environment seamless. Continue to focus on standards and learning vs. test questions and drill and practice.

Contact Info Dr. David Timbs Supervisor of Instructional Technology Johnson City Schools