2. Participants will be provided with general information regarding PARCC and MAP. Participants will gain an understanding of PARCC and MAP.

3. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)

4. High quality math and English language arts assessment Linked to Common Core state standards Grades 3 through 11

5. Computer based Participate fully 2014-2015 Critical thinking and problem solving Embedded supports for students with disabilities and English language learners

6. Performance based assessment End of year assessment Speaking and listening assessment

7. After 75% of school year ELA/literacy focus of writing effectively when analyzing text and research simulation

8. Math – solving multi-step problems requiring abstract reasoning, precision, perseverance and strategic use of tools

9. Computer based Machine scorable After 90% of school year Reading comprehension Math concepts and skills

10. Combination of performance based and end of year assessments

11. Assessment given any time of the year Not included in summative score

12. PBA March 2 – 27, 2015 EOY April 20 – May 15, 2015

13. More information regarding PARCC can be found at: www.PARCConline.org http://www.parcconline.org/samples/item- task-prototypes

14. A Guide for Parents

15. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) are computerized, adaptive achievement tests in mathematics and reading given to students in Grades K—8.

16. When taking a MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student has answered all the questions up to that point. As the student answers questions correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. On most tests, a student answers about half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level.

17. Although the tests are not timed, it usually takes students about one hour to complete each test.

18. Students in Baltimore County Public Schools will be tested three times –fall, winter, and spring. September 8 – October 17 (Grades 1-5) January 5 – February 13 (Grades K-5) May 15 – June 12 (Grades K-2) Parents will receive a score report at the end of each testing window. (Fall and spring will receive a report. Winter to be determined.)

19. No. MAP tests are designed to target a student’s individual achievement level. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test. This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he/she knows and can do.

20. The results of MAP tests are used to measure your student’s progress in reading and mathematics. The teachers will use these test scores to keep track of growth in these areas. The test results will not be use as part of students’ grades. The results will show a comparison to the district average of students in the same grade and to a national average of students in the same grade.

21. Students taking MAP in Grades K—2 will be using headphones. The test is read to them through the computer. The following slides will show you sample items from the reading and the mathematics tests.

24. Make sure that your child arrives at school on time and is well rested. Ensure that your child either eats breakfast at home or arrives at school in time to eat breakfast. Students who are tired and/or hungry are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test. Encourage your child to do his/her best on the test.

25. NWEA Web site: http://www.nwea.org/ http://www.nwea.org/