Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/417576
Learning How did the SBAC field test work in your district? Did it mirror the experiences of educators nationwide? District coordinators, ad- ministrators, test administrators, students and parents were asked that question through a focus group process. While the results varied (sometimes wildly), the findings includ- ed the following: • The students' initial anxiety was high, but the actual test experience was positive. • The field test was "real world" preparation for all involved in computer-based testing. • The most frequently mentioned testing devices used were Chrome Books, PCs/laptops and MacBooks. • Technology upgrades were needed prior to testing. • Other technology challenges included: scheduling not well thought out for each school; iPads not as reliable as other devices; lost passwords; and lost access to computers for classroom activities during the testing window. • The results further showed English learners lack experience with the technology, especially keyboarding, general computer skills and familiarity with universal tools. There was an accommodations issue of translating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to the test. Lessons learned? The participants were asked to offer suggestions. • Information about the administration of the test must be disseminated to districts as soon as possible. This has implications for the upcoming spring 2015 official test. • Collaboration at the district level is essential to successful implementation of the assessments. • Having extra computers available and logged in if issues should arise is imperative. • Students should practice on the same devices on which testing is conducted. What about time? The NEA surveyed Pre-K–12 teachers, including CTA members, in November and December 2013, and here's what they had to say about time on testing. Does this mirror your experience? • Teachers report spending an average of 29 percent of their work time on tasks related to a state standardized test. The vast majority of this time was spent preparing students to take the test; very little time focused on reviewing results of the test. • Some teachers spent more time on testing than others, spe- cifically those who teach elementary or middle school; teach core test subjects (general elementary, reading/ELA, math); teach classes with higher proportions of students starting the year below grade level; or teach in the Southeast. The Digital Library — for teachers only Teachers can use the Digital Library at smarterbalanced.org to write their own assessments. It provides lessons, videos, and formative assessment tools teachers can use to improve teaching and learning. Considered by many as the "best-kept secret," the content of the Digital Library was developed by a network of K-12 teachers and higher education faculty from each SBAC state. Each network has diverse expertise in Common Core mathematics and English language arts, sci- ence, social science, gifted and talented education, English learners, and students with disabilities. The Smarter Balanced system's premise is to have a balanced assessment system to measure Common Core State Standards that specify K-12 expectations for college and career readiness to align with the use of the Digital Library. Teachers are now using formative assessment practices that require a variety of tools and resources. The four attributes of the formative assessment process being used by Smarter Balanced are: • Clarify intended learning. • Elicit evidence. • Act on evidence. • Interpret evidence. As the use of formative assessment process in- creases, so will the demand for the Digital Library. "What do we need to know about…?" Common Core, credentialing, assessments. The number of issues and changes educators are grappling with can be over- whelming. CTA staff get asked "What's going on with (pick a topic)?" so often, we thought we'd start sharing their answers. So if you have questions about an issue, email editor@cta.org. We'll provide the answers here. • The SBAC assessments will be operational this year. That means teachers and par- ents will receive individual student score reports. There will be no school level or district level or API reports this year. • The SBAC assessments (both the interim and summative) are not timed. Students should be encouraged to use as much time as they need to complete the assessment. • Next year (2015-16), teachers and par- ents will receive individual student score reports. There will be no school level or district level or API reports this year. No sanctions for 2015-16. • Schools and districts could receive their first API baseline report and new API goal in September 2016. There will be no sanc- tions for 2016-17. • Now is the time to obtain your user name and access code from your district to ac- cess the digital library. CTA reminders: How did the Smarter Balanced assessment perform? How did the SBAC field test work in your district? Did it mirror the How did the Smarter Balanced assessment perform? 47 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 4