An Overview of the New, Online ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test

andStandards of Learning (SOL)

Testing Reminders

Virginia ESL Supervisors’ Association Meeting

Richmond, VirginiaMay 8, 2015

• The new test vendor is Data Recognition Corporation (DRC).• DRC will provide technical assistance webinars in fall 2015.• DRC will post Web-based training modules on its Web site in fall 2015.• Divisions will be notified when the webinars are scheduled and training modules are available.• DRC Customer Service is available by e-mail at WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com or by telephone at (855) 787-9615.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

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• The ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 test will be available in an online format beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.• All students testing online will require headsets for testing:–Headphones are necessary for all domains.–Headphones and built in microphones are

required for the Speaking test.

•WIDA has posted recommendations for headsets on its Web site.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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• The online test will be self paced; however, each section must be completed within one school day.• The online test engine will manage tier placement; tier will not need to be selected.• Listening and Reading tests must be administered first. Student performance will determine placement for Writing and Speaking tests. •Writing and Speaking tests will be administered after Listening and Reading tests.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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• Paper test forms are also available for:–Kindergarten–Grades 1-2, Tiers A, B, and C–Grades 3-5, Tiers A, B, and C–Grades 6-8, Tiers A, B, and C–Grades 9-12, Tiers A, B, and C

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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• 2015-2016 English Language Proficiency Assessment Testing Window:–The statewide ELP assessment testing window

opens Monday, January 11, and closes Friday, April 1, 2016.–Divisions have the flexibility to set their own

testing windows within the 12 week statewide window.

• Divisions may administer all online, all paper, or a combination of online and paper tests.

• WIDA plans to post the accommodation guidelines on its Web site in May 2015.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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• New grade-level clusters are 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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• The responses for the Listening and Reading tests administered online will be entered online and scored electronically for grades 1-12.• Although testing is self paced, WIDA estimates that it will take approximately 25 minutes for students to complete the Listening test and 35 minutes to complete the Reading test.• The Listening test must be completed in one school day. • The Reading test must be completed in one school day.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Listening Item, Grades 4-5

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Listening Item, Grades 4-5

On the screen, students will see a picture. Above the picture, students will see a character. The character will explain the directions and then read the listening passage aloud. After listening to the passage, students will select a response option from the set of multiple-choice questions on the screen. The test engine will then digitally capture and score students’ responses. A benefit of the online format is that it will allow students to progress through the Listening test using the next button at their own pace.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Reading Item, Grades 6-8

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Reading Item, Grades 6-8

On the screen, students will see a picture. Above the picture, students will read the directions and then read a short passage appropriate to the grade and proficiency level. Next, students will read the question and select the appropriate answer from a set of multiple-choice questions. The test engine will then capture and score students’ responses. As with the Listening test items, the new online test will allow students to read the items and progress through the Reading test using the next button at their own pace.  

• The responses for the Speaking test tests administered online will be recorded online for grades 1-12 and scored at DRC.• Although testing is self paced, WIDA estimates that it will take approximately 15 minutes for students to complete the Speaking test.• The Speaking test must be completed in one school day.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Speaking Item, Grades 1-5

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Speaking Item, Grades 1-5

On the screen, students will see a picture.  To the left, they will see a virtual test administrator and a model student.  The virtual test administrator will guide the student through the Speaking passages with directions and prompts. Next to the virtual test administrator, students will see a model student.  The role of the model student is to provide examples of expected responses. As shown on this slide, the virtual test administrator will first ask a question to the model student.    

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Speaking Item, Grades 6-

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Speaking Item, Grades 6-

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After the model student has responded, students will be prompted to record their responses, as shown on this slide.  Students will record their responses on the computer using a record button and will continue through the speaking items at their own pace.  Because students’ voices will be recorded into the online test engine, all students will need headsets with microphones for the Speaking test.  Students will be able to pause, if needed, while responding orally to the test items.  Upon completion, the files will automatically be sent to DRC for scoring.

• The responses for the Writing test tests administered online will be entered online or hand written in a paper test booklet and scored at DRC (the table on the following slide provides details).• Although testing is self paced, WIDA estimates that it will take approximately 60 minutes for students to complete the Writing test.• The Writing test must be completed in one school day.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, cont.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Writing TestGrade-Level

Clusters Test Format Response Mode

Grade-Level Cluster 1Grade-Level Cluster 2-3

Paper-based prompts

Paper

Grade-Level Cluster 4-5

Computer-based prompts

Online or Paper

Grade-Level Cluster 6-8 Grade-Level Cluster 9-12

Computer-based prompts

Online or Paper

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Writing Item, Grades 4-5

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Writing Item, Grades 4-5

The sample Writing test item (also called “task”) on this slide is an approximation of what the new test items will look like. On the computer screen, students will see a picture and read text that models the type of answer that is expected. Students will also hear an audio prompt and read the directions. In the text box, they will enter their response using the keyboard, depending on their grade and proficiency level.  The directions will emphasize that students are to create their own answers in the text box. The test engine will then save the students’ responses and automatically send them to DRC for scoring.

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Writing Item, Grades 9-12

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ACCESS for ELLs 2.0Sample Writing Item, Grades 9-12,

cont.

•WIDA posts resources and archived webinars on its Web site. • Currently posted resources:–What’s new in ACCESS for ELLs 2.0–Recommendations for Purchasing

Headsets–Technology Requirements–Test Preparation Resources–FAQ

Resources for the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test

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• Currently archived webinars:–Overview of online ACCESS for ELLs 2.0:

What’s New in Summative Assessment, July 11, 2014–ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Q&A, April 24, 2015–Technology Coordinator Q&A, May 1, 2015

Resources for the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test, cont.

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• Upcoming webinars:–Test Coordinator Overview, September 23,

2015, at 11.30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.–Test Administrator Overview, September

30, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.–Technology Coordinator Overview,

October 7, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.

Resources for the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test, cont.

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• The following resources will also be available on the WIDA Web site beginning in fall 2015:–Online Training Course for ACCESS for

ELLs 2.0–Training Tutorial–Practice Items–Technology Setup Guide

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Resources for the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Test, cont.

• The following pricing changes will begin with the 2015-2016 school year:– ACCESS for ELLs 2.0: $25.75 per test

scored– Alternate ACCESS for ELLs: $75.00 per

test scored

• Payment for these assessments is the responsibility of the division.

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Pricing for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

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Standards of Learning (SOL) Testing Reminders

• Section 1111(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) requires that LEP students participate in state content assessments. Therefore, as with all students enrolled in Virginia public schools, all LEP students participate in the Virginia Assessment Program.

• All SOL tests are administered online.• Paper/pencil SOL tests may be administered

only to students with a documented need for a paper/pencil test.

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SOL Testing Reminders

• A school-based LEP committee will determine the LEP student’s participation in the SOL assessments as required by Section 8 VAC 20-131 G of the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia.

• The school-based LEP Committee must complete an LEP Student Assessment Participation Plan for each LEP student taking SOL tests.

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SOL Testing Reminders, cont.

• SOL Assessments Participation and Testing Accommodations Resources:– LEP Students: Guidelines for Participation i

n the Virginia Assessment Program, updated August 4, 2014 (LEP Guidelines for Participation)

– Examiner’s Manuals (EM)

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SOL Testing Reminders, cont.

SOL Assessments

Reading

Mathematics

ScienceHistory/Social

ScienceWriting

• Grades 3-8

• EOC

• Grades 3-8**Includes Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) for Grade 6 and Grade 6 plain English

• EOC• Algebra I• Geometry• Algebra II

• Grades 5 and 8

• EOC• Earth Science•Biology•Chemistry

• Content Specific History•Virginia Studies•Civics & Economics

• EOC•Virginia and US History•World History I•World History II•World Geography

• Grade 8

• EOC

In general, LEP students are expected to participate in SOL assessments. Eligible LEP students may participate in the Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Reading assessment in grades 3-8 and the Plain English versions of the grades 3-8 Mathematics and Algebra I tests.

LEP Guidelines for Participation, page 1133

SOL Assessments Participation

Plain English Mathematics and VGLA Reading Assessment Eligibility

Criteria for LEP Students

Grade-Level

Cluster

ACCESS for ELLs Overall

Score (Composite)

Plain English

Mathematics

Grades 3-8 and

Algebra I Tests

VGLA Reading

Assessment

3-5 1.0 through 3.5 Yes Yes

6-8 1.0 through 3.3 Yes Yes

9-12 1.0 through 3.5 Algebra I only

No

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SOL Assessments Participation, cont.

LEP Guidelines for Participation, page 3

Exemptions Available to LEP Students

on SOL Assessments

Reading Mathematics

Science

History/Social

ScienceWriting

Once in grades 3-8 for LEP students enrolled in U. S. schools for less than 12 months

None available

None available

Once in grades 3-8: Virginia Studies or Civics & Economics

Once in grade 8

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LEP Guidelines for Participation, page 3

SOL Assessments Participation, cont.

Testing Accommodations Available to LEP Students

on SOL AssessmentsDirect Linguistic Indirect Linguistic

• Read-Aloud Test*• Audio Test*• Bilingual Dictionary• Dictation to a Scribe• English Dictionary• Plain English Mathematics Test

* Not available on the SOL Reading test

• Flexible Schedule• Visual Aids• Student Responds Verbally, Points, Indicates a Response, or Marks Test Booklet and Examiner/Proctor Transfers Responses to an Answer Document or Selects Student’s Choice Online

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Testing Accommodations

LEP Guidelines for Participation, pages 12-18 and EM, Appendix B

?

Questions

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Contact Information

Robert FugateLEP Assessment SpecialistVirginia Department of EducationStudent_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov (804) 225-2102

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