This week students were put to the test ... literally. Math and English Language Arts teachers implemented the first of three benchmark tests provided by the state of South Dakota. Test questions were based on the new Common Core State Standards, standards adopted by most states across the country. The goals of giving this particular test included: learning where students are at with certain skills; learning areas teachers need to work on; and learning how well our technology worked as the test was delivered entirely on students' iPads.
I haven't seen the data yet as the testing window doesn't officially close until this next week. I look forward to learning more about what my students' skill levels are and what I need to improve on as an instructor. Certainly, I was curious as to how the online testing process would go, and for the most part, things went smoothly. I do have a few concerns about an online test, one being the difficulty of reading on an iPad. Most kids handled the reading well, taking their time. And they could take their time as the test was not timed. On the other hand, I worry that some students rushed (which also happens with a paper test) or that the online reading was just more difficult.
Two more benchmark tests will be delivered throughout the year - one in December and one in May. The tests, again, should provide feedback about students' progress in specific skills measured by the Common Core standards. Students will also take a more formal standardized test around April, just as they have done in the past. However, this test will be online as well and will show the shift from our previous state standards to the Common Core. The test may also be more comprehensive and possibly more intense than the benchmarks. We're not sure exactly, yet, as this will be the first time we deliver this test (created by an organization called Smarter Balanced). This test, too, will be considered "practice," and though we will receive data about how students did, the scores will not "count" against our district in any way.
There is a definite shift in standards teachers are expected to teach. If you have questions about Common Core State Standards, please feel free to contact me. More details about the standards can be found at: http://www.commoncore.sd.gov.
I haven't seen the data yet as the testing window doesn't officially close until this next week. I look forward to learning more about what my students' skill levels are and what I need to improve on as an instructor. Certainly, I was curious as to how the online testing process would go, and for the most part, things went smoothly. I do have a few concerns about an online test, one being the difficulty of reading on an iPad. Most kids handled the reading well, taking their time. And they could take their time as the test was not timed. On the other hand, I worry that some students rushed (which also happens with a paper test) or that the online reading was just more difficult.
Two more benchmark tests will be delivered throughout the year - one in December and one in May. The tests, again, should provide feedback about students' progress in specific skills measured by the Common Core standards. Students will also take a more formal standardized test around April, just as they have done in the past. However, this test will be online as well and will show the shift from our previous state standards to the Common Core. The test may also be more comprehensive and possibly more intense than the benchmarks. We're not sure exactly, yet, as this will be the first time we deliver this test (created by an organization called Smarter Balanced). This test, too, will be considered "practice," and though we will receive data about how students did, the scores will not "count" against our district in any way.
There is a definite shift in standards teachers are expected to teach. If you have questions about Common Core State Standards, please feel free to contact me. More details about the standards can be found at: http://www.commoncore.sd.gov.