CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONTom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

2013−14 Smarter Balanced Field Test

March 27, 2014

Gina KoencySenior Assessment Fellow

California Department of Educationgkoency@cde.ca.gov

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Required Assessments for the 2013–14 School Year

• Smarter Balanced Field Test for English–language arts (ELA) and mathematics:– Grades 3–8: all students participate.– Grades 9 and 10: only students selected for the scientific

sample participate.– Grade 11: students selected for the scientific sample

participate. All others are encouraged to participate.

• California Standards Tests (CSTs) for science in grades 5, 8, and 10

• California Modified Assessment (CMA) for science in grades 5, 8 and 10

• California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) for ELA and mathematics in grades 2 through 11 and for science in grades 5, 8, and 10

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Why is the Field Test Important?

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• Key step toward the implementation of CAASPP.

• Model high-quality instruction of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

• “Test the test” in a low-stakes environment.

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

What are the Benefits?

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• Teachers and students gain hands-on experience with a computer-based assessment.

• Administrators and teachers gain experience with the logistics of the test administration.

• LEAs identify gaps and needs to better prepare for the 2014−15 operational test.

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Smarter Balanced Field Test Item Response Types

The Smarter Balanced assessment system includes a variety of item types:

• Selected-response

• Constructed-response

• Technology-enhanced

• Performance task

Sample items are available on the Smarter Balanced Web page at http://www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks/.

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Performance Task (PT)

• PT is a required portion of the Field Test.• All participating students will take one PT in

either ELA or mathematics.• Students answer a set of complex questions

that are centered on a common theme or situation.

• Goal is to measure depth of understanding, and research and analysis skills, which cannot be adequately assessed with other types of questions.

• Encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to real-world problems.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Performance Task (cont.)

• ELA PT has two parts and can be completed in two days. Once a student completes Part 1, he/she cannot return to it.

• Mathematics PT has one part and can be completed in one day.

• PT should not be administered on the same day as the non-PT part of the Field Test (recommended).

• Sample PT with scoring guides are included in the Practice Test, but not in the Training Test.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Performance Task Classroom Activity

• Students will be participating in a classroom activity before the PT is given.

• The activity should be conducted 1 to 3 days before the administration of the PT.

• The teacher-led activity is designed to provide students with information and key terms that would be helpful to the student knowing prior to taking the PT.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Performance Task Classroom Activity (cont.)

• Classroom activity and content assignments now available for schools and LEAs.

• PDF files with classroom activities, by name, now available.

• Classroom activity and Performance Task administration guidelines, including accessibility guide for classroom activity now available.

• Web page at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/classroom-activities/.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and

Accommodations Guidelines• The Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and

Accommodations Guidelines is a guide for local educational agencies (LEAs) to help provide equal access for all students participating in the Smarter Balanced Field Test.

• Guidelines describe three types of student support: universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations.

• The Guidelines and accompanying FAQs are available on the CDE Smarter Balanced Accessibility and Accommodations Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/access.asp. 10

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

CALPADS and the Smarter Balanced Field Test

• California Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) is the source for student data used to register for the Smarter Balanced Field Test.

• LEA administrators must ensure that demographic data for students are up to date and accurate in CALPADS.

• Registration (i.e., data upload) is completed by the CDE on behalf of LEAs through TIDE.

• Designated supports and accommodations must be entered into TIDE by the authorized person at the district or school site.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

ResourcesRedesigned CDE Web Page for the Smarter

Balanced Field Test

• Launched February 19 at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp

• Redesigned to provide focused information for specific audiences/topics

• Easily accessible information by tabs labeled as:– California assessments– Teachers– Administrators– Students/parents– Technology– Community partners

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)Field Test Videos for Students

• Two videos are available that are designed to provide information to high school and middle school students about the Smarter Balanced Field Test.

• These videos include answers to questions about “what, where, how, and why.”

• The videos are posted at the following links:– High school video: http://youtu.be/DXXd451e580 – Middle school video: http://youtu.be/YKerb7NsDUE – Elementary school video (coming very soon)

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)Field Test Notification Letter Template

• CDE has developed a template for a Smarter Balanced Field Test parent information letter to aid LEAs in communicating with parents and guardians regarding the upcoming Smarter Balanced Field Test.

• Letter is available in English, Spanish, and ten other languages.

• Field Test Parent and Guardian Letter Templates are available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/caasppcomm.asp.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)Field Test Webcast Archives and Training

• Archived Webcasts, including the California Smarter Balanced Field Test Workshop, are available at http://californiatac.org/training/sbft/.

• Smarter Balanced Training Modules are available at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/resources/. Ten videos (6 to 55 minutes in length) are available that provide information on a variety of topics, including:– Accessibility and Accommodations– Smarter Balanced Test Administration Overview– What is a Field Test?– TA Interface for Online Testing– Performance Task Overview– Let’s Talk Universal Tools

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)Field Test Flashes

• Field Test Flash is an outreach tool designed to deliver up-to-the-minute information about the Field Test.

• Flashes are sent by e-mail to superintendents, administrators, CAASPP coordinators, CALPADS coordinators, educational organizations, and others.

• Recipients are encouraged to forward flash announcements to all educators who may want to stay apprised of the latest information about the Field Test.

• Receive the Field Test Flash listserv by sending a blank e-mail to caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov.

• Flashes also are posted at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/ftflashes.asp.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)California Smarter Balanced Field Test Portal

• This portal provides access to numerous Field Test resources, user guides, and manuals, such as the California Online Field Test Administration Manual and California TIDE Manual.

• The URL to access this portal is http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/field-test-ca/.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Resources (cont.)Smarter Balanced

Practice Tests and Training Tests

• Practice Tests– Provide students with grade-specific testing experience

similar in format and structure to the Smarter Balanced Field Test, including most available supports.

• Training Tests– Allow teachers and students to experience the full

features, functionality, and item types of Field Test.– A training test is available for each of three grade bands

(3–5, 6–8, and high school) and contains approximately 6–9 items per band, per content area.

Note: Smarter Balanced Practice Tests and Training Tests are available at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Senior Assessment Fellow

• Focus on priorities related to Smarter Balanced assessments, beginning with the Field Test.

• Collaborate with CDE and contractors to identify issues and promptly develop strategies, resources and solutions.

• Developing and delivering presentations statewide.• Expanding outreach efforts to include all stakeholders.• Sharing best practices for implementation of the

Smarter Balanced assessments, including the Field Test.

• Gathering and analyzing data regarding the effectiveness of communications and outreach efforts.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Guiding Questions

• Which resources have you and/or your schools found particularly useful?

• How are you using these resources in preparation for the Smarter Balanced Field Test?

• In what areas do you still need support and assistance?

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Guiding Questions (cont.)

• What plans or ideas do you have do monitor and document how the Field Test is going in your school district?

- Training and resources (practice and training tests, modules, videos)

- Technology readiness and functionality- Scheduling (issues, challenges)- Student experience (engagement with

technology, with content, struggles) 21

TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Guiding Questions (cont.)

- Teacher or test administrator experience (how teachers supported the Field Test; issues they encountered)

- Accessibility tools (process to identify, getting them uploaded/entered, students use of these tools)

- Performance tasks and item types (most difficult, interesting, engaging)

- Troubleshooting strategies- Other areas?

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Smarter Balanced Digital Library

• Smarter Balanced Digital Library is part of the balanced assessment system, which will include formative assessment tools and practices.

• Is an optional component that the state has purchased and made available to California LEAs.

• Library will contain evidence-based, on-demand resources for teachers to enhance classroom assessment activities.

• Library is scheduled to launch in April 2014.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Interim Assessments

• Per AB 484, the Smarter Balanced interim assessment system will be a state born cost for California educators.

• Designed to provide feedback about student progress toward college and career readiness before the summative assessment.

• Can be administered at various points during the year to support instructional decisions for students.

• To be delivered through the same online interface as the summative assessment.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

Interim Assessments (cont.)

• Unlike the summative assessment, the interim assessments are non-secure.

• Two components to interim assessments:o Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA)

– mirror the summative assessment and include performance tasks.

o Interim Assessment Blocks (IAB) – focus on a smaller set of skills with 5-7 blocks per content area.

• First set of ICAs expected in October 2014.

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TOM TORLAKSONState Superintendent of Public Instruction

For Further Information

CAASPP Officecaaspp@cde.ca.gov

916-445-8765

CDE Smarter Balanced Field Test Web Pagehttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp

California Technical Assistance Centerhttp://californiatac.org/

1-800-955-2954

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