Information and Concerns Around
Mandated Testing 2014-2015
Basic Information
Tests this year:
• NWEA (3rd – 8th)
• REACH (K-8th and all subjects)
• PARCC (3rd-8th)
• Algebra Exit Exam (8th)
PARCC: Computer-Based Reading and Math (End of Year)
• PARCC 3rd- 8th (Approximately 8 hours total testing for each student and
50% extended time for students with special needs and English Language
Learners)
What is it going to be used for?
● The idea was that many states would use one of these two tests — which
were supposed to be more sophisticated and better able to assess student
abilities — thus making cross-state comparisons of student performance
possible.
● Barbara-Byrd-Bennet wanted to delay using the PARCC this year because
she said there still remain “too many questions about PARCC to know how
this new test provides more for teachers, students, parents, and principals
than we are already providing through our current assessment strategies.”
● The superintendent for district 202 says, “The PARCC test is neither valid
nor reliable as a measure. And the reason for that is that it has never been
given to a large population. So we’re paying to have a private testing
company norm their instrument on the backs of Illinois students. That’s a
big problem.”
How does testing impact student learning?
● Time for each session: Parcc alone=about 8 hours/NWEA=about 4 hours/REACH=1
hour per subject area/Algebra exit exam=about 1 hour
● TOTAL time (for each student) spent on these mandated tests=
a. 3rd-7th grader: 19 hours and 50% extended time for students with special needs
and English Language Learners
b. 8th grader: 20 hours and 50% extended time for students with special needs
and English Language Learners
● Money diverted away from areas that have been known to contribute more to a
successful student/learner, areas that are coined as “system-level conditions”
● Learning tasks have changed or teachers are challenged to find a
balance/compromise between direct skill/test prep instruction and other practices
they have done in the past (project-based, portfolio work, etc.)
● Testing fatigue
Yes, but….
● The idea was that many states would use one of these two tests —
which were supposed to be more sophisticated and better able to
assess student abilities — thus making cross-state comparisons of
student performance possible.
● BUT….of the 26 states that first committed to the PARCC, only 9
remain.
● When asked what PARCC would be used for then this year, ISBE
said it would be for baseline data.
What are our choices? Next steps?
1. Have more conversations about testing and the topics surrounding it
(common core, teacher accountability, money, what learning looks like and
other ways to measure it, improving “system level conditions” etc.)
1. Learn more. Invite Raise Your Hand Coalition or More than a Score to
come and speak with us. You can email More than a Score at:
info@morethanascorechicago.org
1. Opt-out options
1. Create alternative opportunities for students during testing days
1. Ask our LSC, PAC, BAC what their ideas are and what they would like to
know more about