TESTING

League of Women Voters of Orange County

• Nonpartisan since 1920• Takes positions after study.• Promotes principles of good governance.• Educates and informs citizens about

voting, issues and candidates. • Encourages active participation of

citizens in government.

League Education Committee

• 2013 Statewide study of charter schools and schools of choice• 2014 Study of K – 12 testing• 2015 Sharing testing information

Key Questions

1. Why are people so upset about testing?2. Testing – How much is taking place?3. What are High Stakes tests?4. Who decides about testing?5. What are major concerns about testing?6. What can we do?

Why are people so upset about testing?

• One test determines failure in 3rd grade.• One language arts test and one

Algebra I test determine HS graduation.• Some tests considered inappropriate in

early grades and for some subjects.• Tests focus narrows curriculum and

creativity.

Required standardized tests are taking time from teaching and learning

Testing has always been part of school so what is different today?

• Types of tests–Teacher created tests • For subjects and students they teach.

– Standardized tests•Written by outside experts • Same test is given to all students at a

certain grade or taking a particular subject.• Levels of success are determined by

outsiders

Standardized Tests 1. Vastly increased.2. Required by Legislature and School

Board at every grade level.3. Results applied beyond evaluating

student learning.4. Proficiency levels determined post test.5. New tests not field tested6. Often inappropriate for age and subject

Testing Acronyms• FSA Florida Standards Assessment – covers

English language arts, writing and math• FCAT 2.0 – Florida Comprehensive Assessment

Test – replaced this spring with FSA except for assessments in science for grades 5 & 8

• EOC – End of Course standardized tests – every subject will have an EOC

• FLKRS - Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener

• FAIR - Florida Assessment in Reading – K - 2

What Are High Stakes Tests?

• All tests are used to determine achievement– Scores at Level 1 or 2 in ELA or math means a

remedial course the next school year• Many of the standardized tests are called

High Stakes due to way the results are used.• Very High Stakes tests occur at grade levels

from K - 12

The High Stakes – PreK and K– FLKRS, the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener,

is given to all K students during the first 30 days of K– FLKRS measures overall development and readiness

for Kindergarten.– The FLKRS is also used to measure how well a

Voluntary PreK provider prepares 4-year-olds to be ready for kindergarten

K-2 Standardized Testing– FAIR, Florida Assessment in Reading, supposed to be

given 3 times a year. – given by teacher to individual students on computer; – it takes about 45 minutes per per student

The High Stakes - 3rd Grade

Promotion to 4th grade requires • Passing 3rd grade FSA ELA•Score of 2 or better

OR

•Alternative test or portfolio •Summer school & test retake

The High Stakes – 5th grade

Results on the ELA Florida Standards Assessment will determine whether a student must take remedial courses or be able to choose electives in middle school

The High Stakes – Middle and High School

• EOCs, End of Course, standardized exams – State EOCs written by testing experts – Other EOCs written by teachers – not field tested

• State requires an EOC for every course, K-12 – including band, art, PE, etc.

• Electives eliminated or consolidated due to no EOCs

• State EOCs count 30% of the course grade in middle and high school, no matter the class performance

• Other EOCs count for 20% of the class grade in Orange Co.

The High Stakes – H.S. Graduation

Graduation Requirement: Passing results on two standardized tests: FSA English Language Arts and Algebra I.• Passing: Level 3 or better• FSA ELA is given in 10th grade.• Algebra I is given at the end of this

required course.• Each test may be taken repeatedly until

passed.

The High Stakes – Teachers and Administrators

• School FSA and EOC results are used in evaluating teachers, administrators, principals, all professional staff.

• These school results are also used in evaluating teachers such as library media specialists, curriculum resource teachers, etc.

• 30% - 50% of the evaluations are based on test scores.

The High Stakes – School Grades

• FSA and EOC standardized tests help determine school grades, K – 12.

• School grade can affect property. values and teacher hiring & retention.

• Grades can affect staff, student, parent morale.

We’re an F School!

High Stakes Tests Take Teaching and Learning Time

• Additional pre-tests to ensure success. • Selected populations of students tested

more.• More complex tests need more prep

time.• Computer skills needed.• Classes are disrupted as students move

to use computers & take multiple tests.

FSA Elementary Example

FSA Middle School Example

Students read a passage about Jim Bridger

Place the phrases about Jim Bridger’s life in the correct locations on the timeline.

FSA 10th Grade Example Student reads lengthy passage about two girls going to ocean.

Place the characteristics that describe the narrator, Cassie, or both in the diagram in the correct locations.

Who Makes Testing Decisions?

• Much of the current testing frenzy has been developed based on requirements of the Federal programs No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top .

• Florida Legislators have added tests to assure accountability.

• Districts have added tests to assure success on State tests.

Recent News about Testing

1. Review of standardized testing encouraged by Governor, Education Commissioner, and even some legislators.

2. Committee formed by Commissioner Stewart3. Various powerful education groups have

included concerns in their legislative priorities.

4. School grades exempt this year from consequences for poor performance.

5. Orange County teachers exempt for three years from consequences – not students.

Major Concerns

• Loss of instruction time due to preparing for & taking tests.

• No field testing of new tests.• Inappropriate tests at early grades• 3rd grade failure based on one test.• H.S. Graduation based on two tests.• EOCs impact class

grades 20% and 30%.

Concerns Cont’d• Test scores used to evaluate teachers and

administrators• School grades depend on test scores• Tests, test scoring, prep materials, etc. are

costing taxpayers a fortune.• Curriculum does not include typing and

keyboarding computer skills• Funds not provided for tests, computers, prep

materials, etc.• Standardized testing narrows education.

What Can You Do about Testing Concerns?

• Call or write your legislators to express your concerns.

• Call or write your School Board member to tell them what you think.

• Contact Commissioner Stewart and Legislators with your concerns.

• Visit any of the above, if you can.

Websites• Legislators:

www.flsenate.gov www.myfloridahouse.gov

• OCPS School Board:

www.ocps.net• Test Information:

www.flassessments.orgwww.fldoeorg