Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/315828
I N T R I G U I N G ? Impractical? Successful? Useful? That's how members have described their field test experience thus far. Here are some of their comments. On the practice test: It took fifth-grade teachers 20 minutes to do three math problems. My third-grade student (my child) cried after taking the practice test for 10 minutes because the first question was the most difficult of all questions provided for the practice. He scored advanced on both sections of last year's STAR test (another test with little real-world value). STEPHANIE BACON Tahoe-Truckee Education Association A positive aspect of being in a newer school is all the new tech- nology. Bandwidth is not a problem. Using technology in math was a priority, so we had professional development in this area that was developed by the TSA [teacher on special assignment]. Small groups were taught how to use the digital manipulatives. It went surprisingly well. Then we did the field test, where every- one was on the bandwidth, and the rollout was seamless. NICK ZEFELDT San Ramon Valley Education Association Our teachers took the practice test during a staff meeting (as did most of the other TSAs at the high school sites) for a few reasons: to illustrate the complexity of the exam in anticipation of these teachers needing the knowledge to proctor, and so that there would be a greater understanding and a deeper apprecia- tion for the kind of literacy our students will need in order to be successful. Both goals seem to have been accomplished! (Our parents and students are relatively informed about these new standards. Our TSA cohort created a PowerPoint to educate students about the field test. This is being used at multiple sites to educate the 11th-graders who will be testing during this March-May window.) RACHAEL BYRON San Ramon Valley Education Association W H AT ' S Y O U R E X P E R I E N C E with the field test? Let us know at cta.org/fieldtest. Share how the field tests are going this year and how your district is doing with implementation. We will share your re- sponses with Superintendent Tom Torlakson and the State Board of Education. Our voice has never been more important. Let's make sure we are heard. ASSESS THE FIELD TEST AT CTA.ORG/FIELDTEST 5 www.cta.org M AY 2 0 1 4 AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | ONLINE Azusa Pacific University SCHOOL OF EDUCATION 15112 Earn your degree from a university known for excellence in education. Azusa Pacific has a reputation for consistently producing innovative and comprehensively prepared educators. Our graduates serve as teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators throughout Southern California, and are known in their schools and districts as leaders in the field. Choose from more than 60 ways to earn your credential and degree at APU, including a bachelor's degree completion program in liberal studies, and join a 115-year legacy of excellence in education. Programs start throughout the year. Contact us today! apu.edu/explore/education (626) 815-4570 Educator 05 May 2014 v1.6 int.indd 5 5/16/14 3:21 PM