Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/274063
Learning Resource C A L I F O R N I A ST U D E N T S A N D T E AC H E R S are getting their first taste of the new computer-based Smarter Balanced Assessment, which is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The field test is being administered for all students in grades 3-8 and 11, and some students in grades 9-10. Each school is assigned a six-week testing window between March 18 and June 6. You can find your school's testing win- dow at www.californiatac.org. In preparation, students may take a grade-level practice test that is similar in structure and format to the field test. The prac- tice test has approximately 30 items, plus a performance task, in each area (English language arts/literacy and mathematics). Also available are training tests, designed to help students quickly familiarize themselves with the software and naviga- tional tools they will use on the field test. The training test is organized in grade bands (grades 3-5, 6-8, and high school) and has fewer items than the practice test and no performance tasks. The training test features new item types not previously included in the practice test, and provides the full suite of acces- sibility and accommodations features, including American Sign Language (ASL) videos for all listening items. To get the latest information from the California Department of Education, sign up for Field Test Flash. To join, send a blank email to CAASPP@mlist.cde.ca.gov. Meanwhile, here are help- ful resources: • School test window assignments — www.californiatac.org • Practice and training tests — www.smarterbalanced.org/practice-test • Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines — www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/access.asp • CTA resources on Common Core, Smarter Balanced Assessments and more — www.cta.org/ipd It's Season! A S S E S S T H E A S S E S S M E N T Let us know how Common Core implementation is going in your district. We are planning to conduct a survey about your experiences with the Smarter Balanced Field Test. Stay tuned — you'll hear from us soon. It's Season! 41 www.cta.org M A R C H 2 0 1 4 Michael D. Eisner College of Education P l a n n o w f o r S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 . Education is evolving rapidly. Whether participants ultimately seek leadership roles in schools, colleges, universities, government agencies, or other organizations, CSUN's fully online Master of Arts in Educational Administration puts in their hands the knowledge and skills to advance their careers and thrive in today's dynamic environment. Specifi cally designed to help educators advance their careers • Two-year program, 100% online. Students advance through the program as a cohort of 20–35 participants, becoming a tightly knit community of peers. • Prepares educators for a variety of leadership positions, including principals, superintendents, deans, department heads, directors, program managers and site administrators. • Exceptional support services. The one-on-one support of a designated program manager, from application to graduation, frees busy professionals to focus on their studies. • Offered in collaboration with CSUN's Michael D. Eisner College of Education – the nation's largest of its kind – which educates and credentials more teachers than the entire UC system. Shape the Future of Education in California ONLINE MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Learn more about applying for Spring 2016. Patti Burleson Program Manager (818) 677–3217 edleadership.csun.edu Educator 03 Mar 2014 v2.0 int.indd 41 3/6/14 10:53 AM