1. Common Core and Important changes in NYS Testing
Parent Workshop
Presented by Nicole Rini, Parent Coordinator

2. What are the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) ?
A single set of clear standards for English language arts and mathematics
A tool to help students and parents set clear and realistic goals for success
A first step in providing young people with the high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and careers

3. Why Now? Disparate standards across states Student mobility
Global competition
Today’s jobs require different skills

4. Why is This Important for Students, Teachers, and Parents?
Prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and work
Ensures consistent expectations regardless of a student’s zip code
Provides educators, parents, and students with clear, focused guideposts

5. College Readiness
College readiness means that graduates have the skills they need to do well in college
“College” doesn’t just mean a four-year degree. It can mean any program that leads to a degree or certificate.
Being “ready” means that students graduate from high schools with strong skills in English and mathematics.

6. Career Readiness
Career readiness means that high school graduates are qualified for and able to do well in long-term careers.
Career” doesn’t just mean a job. It means a profession that lets graduates succeed at a job they enjoy and earn a competitive wage.

7. The new standards will…
Prepare students to succeed in college and the workforce
Ensure that every child—regardless of race, ethnicity or zip code—is held to the same high standards and learns the same material
Provide educators with a clear, focused roadmap for what to teach and when

8. What’s different in the new standards?
English Language Arts/Literacy:
Focus on non-fiction, careful reading
Discuss reading and write using evidence
Increase academic vocabulary
Mathematics
Learn more about fewer concepts
Focus on skill building, speed and accuracy
Use of real world examples to better understand concepts

9. The Need for Assessments Aligned to the CCSS
CCSS did not increase the amount of testing for students
Students benefit from measures that determine whether or not every student has the same basic foundation to prepare for college, careers and life.
Students also benefit from when teachers and principals know which students are progressing, falling behind, excelling and which teachers need extra support.
In the absence of state tests, there is no objective way to determine progress across all schools and districts.

10. No Need to Stress!
Learning rigorous content is challenging and engaging to students – adults need to be supportive and affirming.
By providing proper support and messages, parents can build on their child’s knowledge, confidence and future opportunities.
Assessments are only a moment in time for students to demonstrate what they know and for adults to be able to help them achieve even more.

11. 3 Major Changes to NYS tests for 2016
Increased teacher participation in creating exams
Decrease in the number of test questions
More time for students

12. Major Change: Educators involved in the test development process
A direct response to the largest # of test refusals in the nation
Previous tests were flawed by mistakes and ambiguous answers, and transitions to CCSS
150+ teachers reviewed, field tested questions and created the final test forms, then reviewed them before printing

13. Major Change: Decrease in the number of test questions

14. Major Change: More time
NOT untimed – student must be productively working
Allows children to work at their own pace
Schools and Districts will use their own discretion to create their own approach

15. Some minor changes to testing
Field testing
Questions reduced in # and volunteered by districts
Computer-based testing
Immediate feedback, innovative test questions

16. Parent Resources and Support
Schools.nyc.gov
Engageny.org
PTC/SLC – parent involvement