Changes to the ACT Test

Launching in September 2015, there will be some changes to the national ACT test.  The ACT is administered to all North Carolina public high school 11th Graders on March 1, 2016.

Five-Tier vs. Four-Tier: What does a 'Level 3' Mean for NC Students?

North Carolina has changed how student performance is measured in End-of-Course (EOC) and End-of-Grade (EOG) testing.  Last year, the Board of Education adopted a new "Five-Tier" scoring scale to determine proficiency on state-administered standardized tests.  At the high school level, this scale is used for Math I, Biology, and English 10:

Motivational/Instructional Strategies for Standardized Testing: 5/14/14 #ncadmin Chat Archive

Key Info Regarding Delay in Reporting Scores

Key information was recently shared with LEA Superintendents and Charter School Directors regarding the delay in reporting scores for the new End-of-Course assessments.  Rebecca Garland, Chief Academic Officer and Angela Quick, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, officially sent the information out on October 30, 2012.  The following is a summary of key info for districts administering EOC's in January:

"NCDPI is required to establish new academic achievement levels based on the data from the 2012-2013 administration of the newly revised assessments."

"The scores for these assessments will be delayed until October 2013, pending the scaling and standard-setting process...by the State Board of Education."

"In late January 2013, the NCDPI will provide LEA's with a 0-100 score for each EOC assessment to use for calculating the final grade for the course and to make placement and/or graduation decisions."

"Students assessed on the Algbera I/Integrated I, Biology, and English II EOC's during the fall of 2012-2013 should be assigned 'incompletes' until the 0-100 score is available."

"Once the final grade...is determined, the LEA must determine if students are inappropriately enrolled in spring 2013 courses...The new deadline to drop students...is February 28, 2013." (this will be known as the 10/20 Day Rule-normally students cannot be removed from an EOC course after the 10th instructional day of the semester.)

"The NCHSAA will allow students affected by this delay to continue to participate in athletes if they meet all other eligibility requirements."

"Once the score is available...the score must be used as at least 25% of the student's final grade for the course."

More can be found at the Department of Public Instruction's website.  This is simply to assist with communication throughout the state. 


CS



The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith     and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

NCEES Orientation: Standard VI

Simply sharing the Prezi from my NCEES Orientation for teachers:

http://prezi.com/cpmtgmqleeyu/teacher-evaluation-orientation-2012-2013/

CS



The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith     and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

Notes from Understanding Standards VI & VIII

I recently viewed an archived W ebinar called "Understanding Standards VI & VIII", which will be incorporated in every teacher's and administrator's evaluation, respectively.  I wanted to share my notes, which I provided via Twitter:

NC will use the Educator Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) for standards 6/8.


Growth will be determined comparing "predicted scores" and student performance. (Opinion: Predicted scores will now weigh heavily)

The three Principal Rating Categories for Standard 8: Does not meet expected growth, Meets expect growth, Exceeds expect growth.


For principals, Standard 8 is called "Academic Achievement leadership".


For teachers, Standard 6 is called "Contribute to Academic Success" and has the same three rating categories. 


Standard 6 for teachers will consist 70% of teacher score & 30% of school score.


Three years of data must take place before a teacher or principal receives a "Status" for Standard 6/8.


Principals "status" will be "In Need of Improvement" if any Standard 1-7 rating is lower than proficient AND/OR Does Not Meet ExpGr.


Principals "status" will be "Effective" if Standards 1-7 rating is proficient or higher AND Meets/Exceeds Expected Growth.


Principals "status" will be "Highly Effective" if Standards 1-7 rating is accomplished or higher AND Exceeds Expected Growth.


Teachers "status" will be "In Need of Improvement" if any of Standard 1-7 is below proficient AND/OR Does Not Meets Expected Growth.


Teachers "status" will be "Effective" if Standards 1-5 is Proficient or higher AND Meets Expected Growth on Standard 6.


Teachers "status" will be "Highly Effective" if Standards 1-5 are Accomplished or higher AND Exceeds Expected Growth.


For the 2011-2012 school year, Standard Six rating for teachers in non-tested grades/subjects will be based on school-wide growth.



Hopefully these notes are helpful to all teachers and administrators in North Carolina.  There is much more information regarding Standards VI and VIII, so I strongly suggest pursuing the information available for your district.


Thanks for reading and follow me via Twitter @CSmithGoBlue.  



CS





The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.