Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers

Planning for PARCCParent Education Event Presented by Dunlap Elementary Counselors

• Overview of PARCC

• PARCC Terminology

• Online PARCC Resources & Tutorials

• Test Preparation & Testing Anxiety

Agenda/Topics to Be Covered

• Stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers

• Replacing ISAT

• PARCC is designed to assess Common Core Standards in Math and English Language Arts (ELA)

• It is intended to better assess student’s knowledge

of skills most demanded by colleges and in careers.

• Computer based

• Taken twice a year (March & May)

– PBA=Performance Based Assessment

– EOY=End of Year

• Baseline data

What is PARCC?

46 States + DC Have Adopted the Common Core State Standards

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)

1. Create high-quality assessments

2. Build a pathway to college and career readiness for all students

3. Support educators in the classroom

4. Develop 21st century, technology-based assessments

5. Advance accountability at all levels

6. Build an assessment that is sustainable and affordable

Goals of PARCC

Higher Expectations

ELA/Literacy

Read sufficiently complex texts independently

Write effectively to sources

Build and present knowledge through research

Math

Solve problems: content and mathematical practice

Reason mathematically

Model real-world problems

Have fluency with mathematics

The PARCC assessment system will be aligned to the college- and career-ready, Common Core State Standards, and is being designed to challenge students, help identify when they’re not meeting the standards, and provide targeted instruction, supports and interventions to help them succeed.

• Computer based testing will be a new experience for some students

• Familiarize your student with some of the following key terms to help them as they answer questions on PARCC

PARCC Terms

• Select: Student must use either his/her mouse cursor or finger (on a touchscreen) to choose a specified item (or items), including numbers, points, etc.

• Drag: Students must click down on, and hold, the specified item and then “drag” the item to the correct location.

• Write: he or she must create an equation or expression in the answer box using the given interactive tools (often a number pad and set of operation symbols).

PARCC Terms

• Complete: Just like a “fill-in-the-blank” problem. Student must choose or enter correct terms and operations.

• Create: Asks the student to utilize an on-screen tool (manipulative, number/symbol bank) to make a specified shape, grid, area, sequence, etc. in the answer box(es).

• Enter: Student must use their keyboard to “enter” a response into an answer box.

• Show: Asks the students to use onscreen buttons or manipulatives to “show” how they came to a result.

PARCC Terms

• Explain: Always refers to entering words into an answer box using a keyboard.

• Show or Explain: Students will often be presented with the option to “Show or Explain”, in which they can choose to either show their findings via digits/operations or explain them via written word.

• Plot: Student must plot a point (or multiple points) on a grid or graph by clicking on the point with their mouse cursor.

PARCC Terms

• Practice using the technology to ease anxiety about the test.

– Visit: http://www.parcconline.org/for-parents

– Towards bottom of the page, under PARCC Field Test, click Sample Test Questions

– Click Try the Sample Test Items

– This will open a new screen

– Click View Test Preparation

– Select Practice Test

– At this point you can choose Math or ELA and also grade level

– Most will choose Standard TestNav Version

• Note the Flag, Review, and Answer Eliminator options

• Tiny Scroll Bar on ELA

Practicing PARCC

• Blank paper

• Eliminate Answer Choice

• Flag items

• Highlight Tool

• Headphones (can bring own)

• Line Reader Tool

• Magnification

• Notepad

• Pop-up Glossary

Available Tools

• Make sure child gets a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours).

• Allow time in the morning for a good breakfast. Try not to be rushed.

• Be on time.

• Make sure your child has taken any need medication.

• Ensure that your child is present during testing. Children tend to do better when testing with their class, rather than testing at a make-up time.

Preparing for the Test Day

• Do something relaxing the night before the test.

• Spend some time talking to your child about what the test day might be like.

• Encourage your child to stay focused on their test, even if others finish early.

• Let your child wear comfortable clothing.

• Be Positive -Expecting your child to do well will help them do well. Encourage them to think positive thoughts.

• Give compliments -Such as “I’m proud of how hard you studied!” Your compliments will help them find their positive self talk!

• Face Fears -Its normal to be worried about tests. But if your child seems too anxious, ask what they are afraid of? Help reassure them.

Creating a Testing Attitude

• Test anxiety is the nervousness or apprehension a child feels before, during, or after a test due to their fear of failing.

• Under stress, the body releases extra adrenaline. This affects the body and the mind.

• Can cause a zone out effect which makes it difficult for the brain to access information.

• Child is more likely to struggle with test anxiety if they constantly strive for perfection or worry excessively.

• Some anxiety is normal.

Understanding Test Anxiety

• School avoidance

• Cries over seemingly insignificant issues in the days before the test

• A change in eating/sleeping patterns

• Refuses to complete homework

• Appears distracted

• Negative self-statements

• Complains of an upset stomach

Warning Signs

Physical Emotional

Butterflies Cries Often

Cold/Clammy Hands Irritable

Feeling Hot/Cold Helpless

Rapid Heartbeat Anger

Nausea Desire to Flee

Lightheaded Frustrated

How Test Anxiety Feels

• Children experiencing test anxiety often have negative beliefs about themselves/how they will perform

• Parents should challenge their children’s thinking

• Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations

• Practice deep breathing with your child, lead by example

Handling Anxiety

Use Second

Step!

Questions