Spring 2013 MSPONLINE TOOLS TRAINING (OTT)
Tools & Manipulatives AllowedFor Online Testing
work with your SAC to make sure you have what you need, and what is allowed
Grades 3-5 Reading Grade 5 Science Grade 3-6 Math
Yellow, lined scratch paper
Provided online:PointerCross-OffHighlighterSticky NoteMagnifierLine Guide (Straightedge)
Yellow, lined scratch paper
Provided online:PointerCross-OffHighlighterSticky NoteMagnifierLine Guide (Straightedges)CalculatorGlossary of Non-Science Terms
Yellow, lined scratch paperGraph paperApproved Manipulatives (see below)
Provided online:PointerCross-OffHighlighterSticky NoteMagnifierLine Guide
(Straightedges)Protractor / RulerGlossary of Non-Math
TermsFormula Sheet (Grade 6)
Approved Manipulatives: Straightedge or rulerProtractor or angle rulerAbacus for students using Braille editionInteger tiles/chips or algebra cubesBase-ten pieces, cubes, pattern blocks, Cuisenaire rodsGeoboardsJudy clocks w/o a digital displayGlossary of Non-Math Terms
Tools that can remain on walls:Hundreds chartsNumber lines with whole numbers only
What we Recommend for Student Preparation Overall
1. The novelty factor: First let kids play and explore• Give kids time to explore the tools• Change the background color• Navigation Button (left top): Test Overview• Give kids time to understand the Help button
2. Then help them use the tools to answer questions• Do a few questions at a time• Flagging questions• Drag & drop items• Pause function• Copy / Cut / Paste does not work• Limit to written answers (with a warning)
Test-Taking with the Online Tools• Talk about using tools for efficiency and accuracy vs. just to use tools• Share out strategies for answering questions and how tools were most
helpful• Scratch paper vs. tools• Provide opportunities for students to use the MSP Online Training Tools to
become comfortable with the online testing format. • Encourage the use of tools when needed: pointer, cross off, highlighter,
sticky notes, magnifier, line guide• Flag questions that you want to return to later• ? Help can be accessed at any time during the test
Math with the Online Tools• Different types of questions/student responses in math• Think mathematically about how the different tools (i.e., sticky notes,
highlighter) can help students be better test takers• Talk about using tools for efficiency and accuracy vs. just to use tools• Scratch paper vs. tools
Reading & Science with the Online Tools• Talk about using tools for efficiency and accuracy vs. just to use tools• Scratch paper vs. tools• Encourage the use of tools when needed: pointer, cross off, highlighter,
sticky notes, magnifier, line guide• Many screens are split into two panes allowing students to refer to
passage when answering question--passage on left, question on right
How to Access the OTT
Updating with the First Launch
About the MSP Math Test
Item Type Description Items Points
Multiple choice Each has four answer choices, one is correct 25 25
Completion Each Completion Item requires the student to enter a numerical answer
5 5
Short Answer • Requires a constructed response• May ask the student to write a sentence or equation;
complete a table, graph, or chart; draw a picture; construct a diagram; or perform a calculation
• Enhanced multiple-choice will ask student to select from a list of four answer choices and show work to support or explain the reason(s) for the answer (Two maximum)
5 10
Additional notesEstimated duration is 110 minutesOnline MSP is operational p/p items written for online, same test mapTechnology-enhanced items still being piloted
About the MSP Science Test
Item Type Description Number of items
Number of points
Multiple choice
Each has four answer choices, one is correct
20-25 20-25
Completion Each Completion Item requires the student to enter a numerical answer
1-6 1-6
Short Answer Requires a constructed responseItem may include a bulleted list to indicate the required elements in a response
4 8
Estimated duration: about 75-90 minutes
About the MSP Reading TestItem Type Description Items Points
Multiple Choice
Students choose from three (3–5) or four answer options (6 - 8).
26 - 30 26 - 30
Constructed Response
Short answer: Students construct short responses,Completion: Students write in a word or phrase to complete a sentence, fill in the blank or complete an organizer.Stand-alone: Students answer an independent item focused on a specific skill. May be completion or multiple choice.
4 - 5 8 - 10
Estimated duration: 75-90 minutes