Q amp A October 2014 HB 930 2014 General Assembly legislation amended 221253133C of the Code of Virginia to eliminate five Standards of Learning SOL tests which included Grade 5 Writing ID: 812421
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Slide1
2014 English SOL Institutes
Q & A
October 2014
Slide2HB 930
2014 General Assembly legislation amended
§ 22.1-253.13:3.C
of the
Code of Virginia
to eliminate five Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which included Grade 5 Writing.
Local Alternative Assessment Guidelines were approved at the Board Meeting on September 18, 2014. The Board will review the guidelines after the 2014-2015 school year and will likely revise them based on the experiences of the first year of implementation.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/09_sep/agenda.shtml
Slide3Board Approved Guidelines for Local Test Guidelines
BOE recommends school divisions assess a sampling of SOL content for each subject and grade level for 2014-2015.
Comprehensive coverage may be required in subsequent years.
Guidelines encourage divisions to document costs associated with local assessment creation and administration – including costs related to professional development.
Scores from local assessments will not be reported to VDOE.
VDOE staff will make site visits or desk reviews to determine how divisions are verifying that required SOL content is still being taught and types of alternative assessments being administered.
Slide4VATE Recommendations
Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE) recommendations:
Minimum of two summative assessments included in the student writing portfolio:
• On-Demand Writing Sample
•A timed response to a given prompt that is completed in one session without collaboration or feedback
• Cross-Curricular Research Product
•A culminating product that is the result of the writing process, which includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing
Slide5State Accreditation
2014-2015
2013-2014
Slide6State Accreditation 2014-2015Reading
Slide7State Accreditation 2014-2015Writing
Slide8SOL Reading Pass Rates2013-2014
74% of students passed their grade level reading test
48 school divisions improved their overall reading scores
20 school divisions remained the same in reading
EOC Reading had the highest pass rate
81 school divisions improved on EOC Reading
121 School divisions achieved pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Reading
All school divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC reading
Slide9SOL Reading Scores2013-2014
Slide10SOL Reading Scores2013-2014
Slide11Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction
Assessment Reading PowerPoint Presentations
Slide12EIRI Regional Workshops
K-3 Classroom Teachers
Reading Specialists
Date
Region
Location
Nov. 13, 2014
VII
Cantrell Banquet Hall, UVA
Wise,
VA
Nov. 19, 2014
VI/VIII
Higher Education Center
Roanoke
, VA
Feb. 19, 2015
IV/V
Zehmer Hall, UVA
Charlottesville
, VA
Mar. 18, 2015
I/II/III
Library of Virginia,
Richmond,
VA
Interested teachers should contact their PALS Division Representative as
they are handling
registration.
Making the Most of PALS Reports and Resources
Early Reading Instructional Strategies and Resources: Library of Virginia & VDOE
Slide13SOL Writing Pass Rates2013-2014
75% of students passed their respective writing test
43 School divisions improved their scores in writing
13 School divisions remained the same in writing
37 School divisions improved on EOC Writing
87 School divisions had a pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Writing
124 School divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC Writing
Slide14SOL Writing Scores2013-2014
Slide15SOL Writing Scores2013-2014
Slide16Understand Scoring
Slide17Writing Prompts
11 new EOC prompts this year
Slide18Use of Automated Scoring for the SOL Writing Tests
Currently two human readers score the SOL short papers
• Feasibility studies conducted summer 2013
• Studies successful; scoring engine trained on all current SOL prompts
Fall 2014 “automated scoring” to be used as the second reader for grade 8 writing and EOC writing.
•Should reduce turnaround time for delivery of scores
Slide19SOL Reading and Writing tests will be released in spring 2015.
Please note the released EOC Reading will
not
have paired passages.
Assessment News
Slide20Paired Passages
tested in 6, 7, 8, & EOC
Slide21Technology-Enhanced Items (TEI)
Currently all grades (3- EOC) include TEI that do
not
specify number of correct answers.
Slide22Stand-Alone Directions
READ EVERYTHING ON THE PAGE
End-of-Course
Grade 3
Slide23Assessment
Multiple Answers
Slide24Assessment
Not / Except
Sentence Corrections
Slide25Q & A READING
Is there a list of affixes and root words for which SOL questions will be drawn?
NO Check readwritethink.org for most common words.
Are the reading SOL tests two to three grade levels above, and if so why?
A variety of reading levels appear on the assessments. The reading passages will reflect the increased rigor of the tests. A variety of readability formulas are run on each passage. Teacher Content Review Committees review all reading passages for grade-level appropriateness. For additional information contact:
student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
Slide26Q & A READING
When will paired passages be tested?
6-8 and EOC, however, there will be none on the released tests.
Why is there no partial credit given on SOL tests?
TestNav is not set up for partial credit at this time.
How was the length of the SOL test determined? How many passages on each test?
There is not a pre-determined # of passages per test.
Tests are made according to the blueprints. The number of passages varies per grade level and test. We have started using more and shorter passages.
Slide27Q & A READING
Why can’t the Reading SOL be taken over 2 days for 4
th
and 5
th
graders?
The Assessment Office is reviewing this option. See Contact Information on the last slide.
Why is visualizing never mentioned in the SOL when we know that it is a key reading strategy that skilled readers use?
Visualization is listed in grades 4 & 7. The CF states, “Students are expected to continue to apply knowledge, skills, and processes from Standards of Learning presented in previous grades as they build expertise in English. “
Slide28Q & A READING
To what extent is poetry part of SOL testing?
Poetry is tested on EVERY SOL Reading Test.
How can we “show student growth in reading”?
Many measures are available including PALS, and other reading measures. The Office of Teacher Licensure will be posting examples of SMART goals with data sets.
The Lesson Plans and question stems on the VDOE Web site are fantastic. What are your plans to increase them?
New PPTs from this year’s testing are currently be written; they will be posted this semester. For Reading Only.
Slide29Q & A READING
The Lexile® and Quantile® Measures that have been provided by MetaMetrics and published on SOL score reports will be discontinued beginning in fall 2014. These measures will no longer appear on the SOL student score reports for the grades 3 through 8 reading and mathematics tests. The elimination of Lexile® and Quantile® Measures is for cost savings and will have no impact on the SOL test results reported for students.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2014/282-14.shtml
Slide30Q & A READING
When will the CAT be given in reading?
As stated in
Superintendent’s Memo No. 189-14
, the Department’s initial plans were to implement CAT for grades 6, 7, and 8 mathematics in fall 2014 and grades 3, 4, and 5 mathematics in spring 2015. Due to funding constraints, however, only grade 6 mathematics will be administered in a CAT format beginning in fall 2014.
Additional tests will be converted to the CAT format as funding becomes available.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2014/282-14.shtml
Slide31Q & A WRITING
Is it true the SOL writing tests are scored in 15 seconds?
No
When SOL Prompts ask for a specific format (letter, directly address principal, etc.) should the formatting reflect this?
Prompts MUST BE multiparagraphed. Student won’t be scored down if not in letter format, but it is a good idea to write as the prompt asks.
Different types of writing on SOL per grade level test?
Grade 8 expository or persuasive
EOC is persuasive
Slide32Q & A WRITING
If prompts were used last year, will they be repeated?
Yes
When will SOL test be released?
Spring 2015
Is there a reason that all EOC writing prompts cannot be topics that are more relatable to teens more directly?
Prompts are chosen by teachers who serve on assessment committees. Once field tested, all writing results are reviewed by the assessment content committees for approval for use in live testing.
Slide33Q & A WRITING
You mention that student choice is important, does that align with VDOE future plans to allow students choice in selecting prompts?
All the Prompts must be field tested prior to live testing. Papers are then reviewed for how students responded and any probable bias. Research shows that students are actually more confused by choosing prompts.
Is there a practice testing program or resource that is aligned to the SOL Writing test?
We are unable to recommend resources as it could be seen as a state endorsement
.
Slide34Q & A WRITING
Will students be penalized for writing a 5 paragraph paper
?
No, however forcing a student into a specific # of paragraphs produces formulaic writing. THERE IS NOT A REQUIRED # OF PARAGRAPHS ON THE TEST.
“The Daily Theme Eye”
Atlantic Monthly in 1907 expounded on 5 paragraph paper as the “correct way to write a theme.” Forcing students into ANY formula takes away creativity and individuality. Most writing shows lack of thought and forced conclusions; this is especially true for 5x5.
Slide35Q & A WRITING
How do you teach students to add a
counterclaim
in persuasive papers?
Readwritethink.org
Teach students the parts of an argument:
The claim (that typically answers the question: “What do I think?”)
The reasons (that typically answer the question: “Why do I think this?”)
The evidence (that typically answers the question: “How do I know this is the case?”)
The Counterclaim (what is my argument against the opposing point of view?)
Use Mentor Texts- Model
Slide36Q & A WRITING
What is the WorkKeys Writing assessment?
WorkKeys Business Writing is a substitute test for the EOC SOL Writing test. The current list of substitute tests approved by the Board of Education may be found at
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/substitute_tests/index.shtml
. At the time that these tests were approved as substitute tests, they were judged to measure content that incorporated or exceeded the Standards of Learning (SOL) in effect.
Slide37Q & A WRITING
How is overall writing calculated? MC v. short paper
8
th
= 24 points MC/TEI 24 points Short Paper
EOC= 30 points MC/TEI 24 points Short Paper
Slide38Q & A General
When will the English Standards be updated next?
By the Code of VA, Standards are reviewed and revised every 7 years. The next revision will take place in 2016 with drafts, public hearings, and public comment. There is a role for teachers on the committees to assist with the revision process. New English Standards of Learning should be approved by the BOE in January 2017. Curriculum Framework follows and will be written in 2017.
Slide39Q & A General
When will
MORE
reading and math resources be added to the VDOE Website to help teachers prepare students for the test?
We cannot speak for math, but the following resources are coming this year:
English SOL Institutes presentations – 6 Institutes
Text-dependent Questions with paired passages- secondary resources featuring Poe
Assessment PPTs (2013-2014) Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction
RELEASED SOL TESTS IN SPRING 2015
Slide40Q & A General
What are some resources for teaching media literacy?
Frank Baker’s Media Literacy Clearing House
Center for Media Literacy
NCTE
Readwritethink.org
Incorporate media literacy into regular classroom instruction- not as a separate “unit”
Slide41Q & A General
Will VDOE consider sending booklets of readings for reading SOL, so that students are able to mark in the books? (the MC questions would still appear online)
Online testing required by the Appropriations Act in the General Assembly.
Printing reading passages would be an extra cost $$$$
Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov
Slide42Q & A General
SOL Tests contain TEI questions. When will VDOE release technology software so that teachers can create their own questions for student practice? (When will VDOE make TEI Practice accessible to schools?)
Some possibilities to create TEI include:
Eduwidgets
-
drag and drop, hot spots, fill-in-the-blank, text boxes
iPad app- Move and Match ( see next slides)
Slide43Move and Match
iPad App
Choose Make to create and share projects
Choose Use for students to interact with an existing project without changing that project
Send a working Move and Match project to other iPads with Move and Match
Send an image of a project by email – JPG or PNG or PDF
Save your projects by emailing them or store them in the App
Store your projects in your Dropbox or Google Drive
Choose background pictures for gap fill activities
No advertisements
Slide44Creating TEI
Microsoft Word
MS Word Created Item
Released Practice Item
Slide45Assessment Updates
Assessment Content Committee
applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015
Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests
Previously, the fall and spring SOL writing test administrations have been managed as two separate test administrations in the assessment management system. Beginning in 2014-2015, the fall and spring writing tests will instead be managed as one test administration. School and division staff will experience differences when managing the combined test administration; however, the changes will be transparent to students and will have no impact on SOL writing test dates. Individual student score reports will be available to schools within the Web-based assessment management system after the fall writing test is administered. School divisions may print reports from this system if they choose. In addition, school divisions will have the option to receive no-cost, printed copies of fall and spring writing score reports after the spring writing tests have been reported.
Slide46Assessment Updates
Assessment Content Committee
applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015
Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests
SOL tests to be released in spring 2015:
Grade 3 Reading
Grade 4 Reading
Grade 5 Reading
Grade 6 Reading
Grade 7 Reading
Grade 8 Reading (Item Set)
End-of-Course Reading
Grade 8 Writing (Item Set)
End-of-Course Writing
Slide47Assessment Updates
In previous test administrations, term graduates who completed their SOL writing test but did not pass the test would automatically have their short paper component rescored if a higher short paper score could result in an overall passing test score. Beginning in fall 2014, the automatic rescore of eligible term graduate tests is discontinued. Rather, school divisions will apply the same procedure used with all other non-term graduate SOL writing tests to determine whether requesting a rescore for a student’s writing test is appropriate.
It is important to note that automatic rescores for eligible term graduates were implemented when the writing test was administered only in a paper/pencil format. With the improved turnaround time for term graduate writing results and the need to reduce program costs, the term graduate rescore will no longer occur automatically. The same policy will be implemented for Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) assessments submitted for term graduate students.
Slide48Teacher Direct
Slide49Disclaimer
Reference within this presentation to any specific commercial or non-commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Virginia Department of Education.
Slide50Contact Information
Virginia Department of Education
Tracy Fair Robertson
English
Coordinator
Tracy.Robertson@doe.virginia.gov
804-371-7585
Thomas Santangelo
Elementary English/Reading Specialist
Thomas.Santangelo@doe.virginia.gov
804-225-3203
Assessment Office
Student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
804-225-2102