pennsylvania state assessments 2013 - 2014

Tom Corbett, Governor ▪ Ronald J. Tomalis, Secretary of Education www.education.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania State Assessments 2013 Tom Corbett, Governor ▪ Dr. Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education www.education.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania State Assessments 2013-2014

Pennsylvania State Assessments2013 - 2014




New This Year• Calculator use

• Except for the Non-Calculator section of the PSSA Mathematics assessment, as long as the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy is followed, calculators may be used for any part of the following assessments:

a. Remaining sections of the PSSA Mathematics assessment (except for Grade 3)b. Algebra I Keystone Examc. PSSA Science assessmentd. Biology Keystone Exam




New This Year• Affirmation of Code of Conduct for Test Takers

• beginning with the 2013-2014 PSSA and the spring 2013-2014 Keystone Exams the following will be added to the answer book for the student response—

• By marking this bubble, I verify that I understand the “Code of Conduct for Test Takers” that my test administrator has reviewed with me.

• For the online mode there will be a question at the end of the test after the student clicks Complete, Yes or No: I understand the “Code of Conduct for Test Takers” that my test administrator has reviewed with me.

• Added in all “Directions for Administration”: it is essential that all students understand the importance of each point in the code of conduct before testing begins.




New This Year• Additions for test administration:

• Added to the “Handbook for Assessment Coordinators” in the Procedures for Completing the Materials Accountability Form: in the interest of test security it is of the utmost importance that the District Assessment Coordinator, School Assessment Coordinator, and persons responsible for handling test materials can account for these materials at all times. Failure to account for and return (see Part VIII—Return of Assessment Materials) test materials can result in serious consequences as this may present a breach in test security.

• References in the Keystone Exam’s “Handbook for Assessment Coordinators” and all Keystone Exams’ “Directions for Administration” indicate each module must be scheduled as a separate exam session. Modules may be scheduled AM and PM of the same day or on separate days.





• Added to the Ethical Standards for Test Administration” in the DO section of During Test Administration: during active monitoring ensure that students are working in the correct section/module and that they are bubbling in answers in the correct section of the answer book for the section of the test book in which they are working. Be cautious in redirecting or assisting students that you are not violating test security by “coaching” (see DO NOT list below).

• In the “Directions for Administration” for the 2013-2014 Keystone Exams and forward in all DFAs students will be told when they complete a section to make sure they have completely erased any changed responses and stray marks. Currently, they are only given the direction to erase when they are told five minutes is remaining in the section.





• In the “Directions for Administration” for the 2013-2014 Keystone Exams and forward in all DFAs, test administrators will be directed to collect test booklets and answer booklets when the students have completed the section and not wait until all students have completed the section.

• All test certifications have been revised. A new General Certification has been developed to be used with individuals who are not covered by the other certifications. These individuals include secretarial staff, custodial staff, etc.





• Scoring guidelines will be included separately with the secure test materials.

• PDE has the test contractor prepare a report for each LEA on excessive logins by the same student to an online assessment. Please keep a record of system failures such as loss of internet connection, etc., to answer any questions your LEA may have.




New This Year• Demographic pages

• School must complete the “Complete for All Students” on page 1 of the demographic pages for the Keystone Exams and the same information regarding enrolled in Keystone course in eDirect for the online mode. The Not Enrolled bubble should be used for students who are taking the Keystone Exams strictly for accountability, and for students retaking a Keystone Exam unless the students are enrolled in the course again. If a school has more than one course that might be used as a Keystone Exam, e.g., Algebra A and Algebra B, the district/school must decide which course is to be designated as the Keystone Exam course. It is important one of these bubbles is marked for each student because the information is used for PVAAS calculations.




New This Year• Pennsylvania Core Standards (PCS) aligned

content in embedded field test items.• Standalone writing field test, grades 6-8.• Video Sign Language (VSL) version • Updated and revised Pennsylvania State Test

Administration Training (PSTAT).- One-to-one online interactive training for Test

Administrators- Self-check quiz at end- Certificate of Completion- www.pssatraining.com




PA Standards• PA Academic Content Standards and

Assessment Anchors are available on the PDE website.

• PA Core Standards (draft) and Assessment Anchors are available on the PDE and SAS websites.




The Taxonomy of Assessment Anchor Content Standards

1. Content Area2. Grade Level3. Reporting Category 4. Assessment Anchor Content Standards

(Assessment Anchors)

5. Assessment Anchor Descriptor6. Eligible Content




Assessment Anchor Coding

S4.A.1.1.1

Science

Grade Level

ReportingCategory

Assessment Anchor

AssessmentAnchorDescriptor

Eligible Content




Important Features to Know

e.g.- The list is made up of examples but are not limited to those given

i.e.- The list is limited to those specific

examples given




Important Features to Know

or - a student can be assessed on all or just some of theelements in the Eligible Content

and - the intent is to assess each element in the EligibleContent




Resource Materials

Item and Scoring Samplers Performance Level Descriptors

Detailed description of Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic Performance Level Cut Scores PSSA Assessment Handbook for all content areas 2014 “Getting Ready” Power Point




Classroom Diagnostic Tools The Pennsylvania Department of Education has

completed development of the Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDTs) to support teachers and students in grades 6 through 12 in Mathematics, Reading/Literature and Science. These tools - available at no cost to districts - are fully integrated and aligned to the Standards Aligned System (SAS) and enable educators to identify a student’s academic strengths and areas of need as well as links to classroom resources.

CDT grades 3-5 is currently being field tested and will be available operationally in Spring 2014.




Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)




PSSA Math

Assessment2014




Math 2014

Criterion Referenced Five Reporting Categories

o - Numbers and Operationso - Measuremento - Geometryo - Algebrao - Data Analysis




Math 2014 Student score comes from:

o - 60 multiple choice questionso - Three open-ended questions

Students take:o - 72 multiple choice in grades 3 - 8o - Four open-ended questions

All grades will alternate subject areas with Math coming first.




Math 2014

Scores come from the COMMON ONLY.

2014 PSSA Math Test Format Number of Multiple

Choice Items per Student

(1 point each)

Number of Open-Ended Items per

Student (4 points each)

GradeEstimated

Time of Test

Common Multiple Choice Items

Equating Block Items

Field Test

Items

Common Open-Ended Items

Equating Block Items

Field Test

Items

Total Number of Score Points

3-8

180 minutes

3 sessions

60 2 10 3 0 160+12=

72




Math 2014 Embedded Field Test based on PCS Open-Ended items scored on a 0-4 scale Item-specific scoring guidelines but no general

rubric Formula sheets will be provided for grades 4

through 8. o See Resource Materials on our web site for the

formula sheets and item samplers




Item Specifics

Multiple choice items based on Eligible Content* Open-ended items based on Anchor (Verbs come from Anchor,

Anchor Descriptor or Eligible Content; Content comes from Eligible Content.)

Reminder:Have students read the OE items carefully and answer exactly what is being asked.

*All items based on the PCS may cross Eligible Content and Anchors and Reporting Categories.




Item Specifics

Examples of how OE items might be phrased: - Show or explain all your work. - Show all your work. Explain why you did each step. - Explain why [something is true or false] - Describe how [doing something affects something else; to find something, etc.]




Math 2014Roy is running for class president. He polls 50 students. 60 percent of them say they will vote for him.

A. There are 350 students in Roy’s class. Based on his survey, how many students should he expect to vote for him? Show or explain all your work.

B. Roy will sell fruit drinks to raise money for his campaign. A fruit drink cost $0.10 and he sells it for $0.50. How many fruit drinks does Roy need to sell to earn $80? Show all your work. Explain why you did each step.




Math 2014Rubric (for sample item only): Part A:

- ½ point for correct answer- 1 point for complete and correct work OR

½ point for correct but incomplete work. Part B:

- 1/2 point for correct answer- 1 point for correct and compete work OR

½ point for correct but incomplete work.- 1 point for correct and complete explanation.

½ point for correct but incomplete explanation.




Math 2014

Rubric Metric:

Total Points (within) Score (on) 4 4

3 – 3 ½ 3 2 – 2 ½ 2 ½ - 1 ½ 1 0 0




Math 2014

Some notes about open-ended items:- Guess and Check is a valid method but at least two incorrect guesses must be shown to receive full credit.- Not all open-ended items require a “why.”- At least half the score points must come from one Anchor. The rest can come from anywhere else in that Reporting Category.




Math 2014

Can have a “blemish” and still get a score of 4 “e.g. missing $” may or may not be a blemish depending on

the item and grade. If an answer box is given the answer does not have to be in the

answer box to receive full credit, but if there is an answer in the answer box it overrides any other answer given.

An incorrect answer carried through correctly will receive full credit for the correct part.




Math 2014

Testing time is approximately 150-180 minutes for Math.

Testing in Grades 3 - 8.




Math 2014

Rulers and protractors will be provided where needed (grades 3 and 4 respectively). Students must use the rulers and protractors provided for the PSSA.

Rulers will be used in grade 3 only and will be scaled to the ⅛ inch and millimeter. Students will be required to measure to the ¼ inch and centimeter.

Protractors will be used at grade 4 only.




Math 2014Calculator Policy

The PSSA is designed so that calculators are not necessary for students to be successful. If students choose to use a calculator on the portions of the PSSA for which calculators are permitted then they must adhere to the guidelines listed below. It is incumbent upon the school test coordinator to ensure that all calculator policies are implemented and followed, including making sure calculators have no programs stored in their memory. Please note that if a student wants to restore the deleted programs he or she will have to back them up prior to the assessment.




Math 2014 The following are NOT allowed for the

PSSA or Keystones: Non-calculators such as cell phones, smart phones, laptops,

PDAs, pocket organizers, tablets, etc. Beaming capabilities. (These must be disabled.) Wireless communication technologies. Calculators having

wireless communication technologies may be used if those technologies are disabled.

Calculators with QWERTY keyboards or other typewriter-like keyboards or keypads (e.g. Dvorak).




Math 2014 The following are NOT allowed for the

PSSA or Keystones: Calculators with built in Computer Algebra Systems – CAS. Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, need to be

plugged in or talk unless these specific calculators are required as an accommodation. (Please refer to the Accommodations Guidelines.)

Sharing calculators by students during a test session. All programs/information stored in a calculator. These must be

deleted prior to using that calculator on any section of the PSSA. Typically these are graphing calculators but scientific calculators may also contain stored programs.




Math 2014

This is intended to be a general description of what is not allowed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of specific calculators, devices or technologies that cannot be used on the PSSA.

As technology changes this policy will be reviewed and may also change.

The current Pennsylvania Calculator Policy is available on our website.




Math 2014

Grade 3: CANNOT use calculators Answers marked in test booklet

Grade 4 and up: Calculators ARE permitted on all but the beginning few

items.*




Math Test Blueprint(May vary according to the items available.)

Reporting Category

Grade3

Grade4

Grade5

Grade6

Grade7

Grade8

Grade11

Numbers and Operations 40-50% 43-47% 41-45% 28-32% 20-24% 18-22% NA

Measurement 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% NA

Geometry 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 15-21% 15-21% 15-20% NA

Algebraic Concepts 12-15% 12-15% 13-17% 15-20% 20-27% 25-30% NA

Data Analysis and

Probability13-16% 12-15% 12-15% 15-20% 15-20% 15-20% NA

Total Points 72 Points

72 Points

72 Points

72 Points

72 Points

72 Points NA




Math Performance Level Cut Scores

Performance Level

Grade3

Grade4

Grade5

Grade6

Grade7

Grade8

Advanced 1370 and up

1445 and up

1483 and up

1476 and up

1472 and up

1446 and up

Proficient 1180-1369

1246-1444

1312-1482

1298-1475

1298-1471

1284-1445

Basic 1044-1179

1156-1245

1158-1311

1174-1297

1183-1297

1171-1283

Below Basic 750-1043

700-1155

700-1157

700-1173

700-1182

700-1170




PSSAREADING

ASSESSMENT2014




About the Eligible Content The Eligible Content at each grade level shows the

range of knowledge and skills drawn upon to design the PSSA for that grade level.

Examining the Eligible Content across grade levels shows the progression of expectations from one grade to the next.




About the Test Three Reading Sections on the PSSA Math and Reading sections alternate

- Math: Sections 1, 3, 5- Reading: Sections 2, 4, 6

Alignment with PA Academic Standards: Assesses knowledge and skills described in the Assessment Anchor Content Standards

Target Passage Types- Eligible passage genres identified at each grade level




Grade 3 Three sessions Sections 2, 4, & 6 (alternates w/Math) Approximately 40-70 minutes each Target Passage Types for Common Passages

- Two Stories- One Poem- One Informational- One Autobiography/Biography or one

Practical/How-to/Advertisement 56 multiple-choice items (40 common items) 5 open-ended items: 3 short answer (2 common) and 2 evidence –based

selected-responses (EBSR). Students write ALL answers in test booklet




Grade 3 Test Format

Approximate length

Number of Multiple-Choice Items (1 point each)

Number of Other Items Short Answer, (3 points each),

EBSR, (2-3 points each)

40 - 70 minutes each section

Common Equating Block

Field Test


Field Test

40 8 8 2 0 3

Total 150 – 180 minutes

Student score (Common Only): 46 pointsTotal points on each test: 68** Field test items do not count for student score




Grades 4-8 Three sessions Sections 2, 4, & 6 (alternates w/Math) Approximately 45-85 minutes each Target Passage Types (mix varies by grade)

- Story - Poem - Informational- Autobiography/Biography - Practical/How-to/Advertisement - Essay/Editorial (grades 5-8)

56 Multiple-choice items (40 common items) 7 Open-ended items: 4 short answer (all common items), 2 evidence-based

selected responses, and 1 text dependent analysis. Students write answers in answer booklet




Grades 4–8 Test Format

Approximate length

Number of Multiple-Choice Items (1 point each)

Number of Other Items Short Answer, (3 points each); EBSR,

(2-3 points each); Text Dependent Analysis

45 - 85 minutes each section


Field Test


Field Test

40 8 8 4 0 3

Total 185 – 225 minutes

Student score (Common Only): 52 pointsTotal points on each test: 75** Field test items do not count for student score




Reading Reporting Clusters

GradeComprehension

and Reading Skills (Category A)

Literature and Interpretation(Category B)

3 60-80% 20-40%

4 60-80% 20-40%

5 60-80% 20-40%

6 50-70% 30-50%

7 50-70% 30-50%

8 40-60% 40-60%




Genre Coverage

GradeFiction

(and Nonfiction) Narrative

Nonfiction

3 50-70% 30-50%

4 50-70% 30-50%

5 50-70% 30-50%

6 40-60% 40-60%

7 40-60% 40-60%

8 40-60% 40-60%




Level Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Advanced 1442 and up

1469 and up

1497 and up

1456 and up

1470 and up

1473 and up

Proficient 1235-1441

1255-1468

1275-1496

1278-1455

1279-1469

1280-1472

Basic 1168-1234

1112-1254

1137-1274

1121-1277

1131-1278

1146-1279

Below Basic 1000-1167

700-1111

700-1136

700-1120

700-1130

700-1145

Reading Scale Score Ranges by Performance Level and Grade




Not the Same! Performance Level

Descriptors– Advanced– Proficient– Basic– Below Basic

Scores on Open-Ended Reading Questions– 3 points– 2 points– 1 point– 0 points

≠1) Scores on open-ended questions contribute to a student’s raw score.2) The student’s raw score is converted to a scale score.3) The student’s scale score is interpreted as a Performance Level.




Grade 4 Multiple Choice Question (1 point)




Grade 4 Online Multiple Choice Question (1 point)




Grade 4 Open-Ended Question (3 points)




Grade 4 Online Open-Ended Question (3 points)




Grade 7 Selected Response (3 points)




Grade 7 Online Selected Response (3 points)




Grade 4 Selected Response (3 points)




Grade 4 Online Selected Response (3 points)




PSSAWriting

Assessment2014




Writing 2014

Alignment: PA Academic Standards 1.4 & 1.5 (not the PCS) All Students in Grades 5, 8 Exceptions: ELL students in first 12 months and PASA

students ( PASA students take a teacher created and scored alternate writing test based on IEP goals, stored in the IEP folder)

Multiple-Choice: measure conventions Writing Prompts: measure composition skills and conventions Mode-specific Scoring Guidelines for composition Conventions scored separately




2014 Writing Test Format




2014 Writing Test Format Online:

3 sections (may administer sections 1 & 2 in same session) Responses selected and typed on computer Scratch paper and pencil for pre-writing should be provided 3,000 characters space for each grade 5 prompt 5,000 characters space for each grade 8 prompt Online test tutorial has same number of characters available

Paper Pencil: 3 sections (may administer sections 1 & 2 in same session) Responses marked/written in test booklet Scratch paper for pre-writing should be provided 2 lined pages for each prompt response




How Are Responses Scored? Writing prompt responses scored by hand (with 10 percent

read twice) Focus, Content, Organization and Style

Scored holistically using the 1-4 pts. Mode-specific Scoring Guidelines Editing and Revising

Scored separately using the 1-4 pts. Conventions Scoring Guidelines Non-scorable: Illegible; incoherent; insufficient; blank paper Off-prompt: Still receives a Conventions score Off-mode: Loss of one point in Composition score

Bubbled multiple choice responses Machine scored; 1 pt. each




Writing Score Points

MultipleChoice

Writing PromptsTotals

Conventions Mode

12 8 80 10012 items each worth 1 point each

(12 X 1) = 12

2 items each worth a maximum of 4 points each

(2 X 4 = 8)

2 items each worth a maximum of 4 points each(The raw score is multiplied by 10)

(2 X 4) X 10 = 80

12+8+80=100




Writing Scaled Score Ranges by Grade and Performance level

Performance level Grade 5 Grade 8

Advanced1909

and up1748

and up

Proficient1236-1908

1236-1747

Basic745-1235

914-1746

Below Basic700-744

700-913




Standalone Writing Field TestGrades 6 - 8

February 3 - 14, 2014




Who Takes the Field Test? All schools will receive the field test booklets

for grades 6-8 (no online available) Participation is strongly recommended All materials are secure and must be returned

to DRC Exceptions:

- ELL students in first 12 months- PASA students




Field Test Design Paper and pencil only Time: Approximately 54-69 minutes One section

- 24 Multiple Choice- language skills

- 1 Writing Prompt- Composition- Any three modes (narrative, informative, argumentative)




Field Test Writing Scoring Guidelines

New Writing Scoring Guidelines have been drafted Hand-scored Holistic scoring (conventions included in score) 1- 4 pts.

Tom Corbett, Governor ▪ Dr. Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education www.education.state.pa.us


Sample Grade 8 Language Multiple Choice (1 pt.)

Tom Corbett, Governor ▪ Dr. Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education www.education.state.pa.us


Sample Grade 7 Writing Prompt (4 pts.)




Sample Grade 7 Text Dependent Analysis Essay (4 pts.)




How Are TDA Responses Scored? New TDA Scoring Guidelines have been drafted Hand-scored Holistic scoring (includes text analysis and

compositional scoring) 4 pts.




Coming in 2015 Writing will be a part of the ELA test Grades 3-8

o All grades will be assessed on writing compositiono All grades eligible for three modeso All language items are standalone multiple choice

Text Dependent Analysis will be a part of the ELA test Grades 4-8

o TDA prompt will be associated with a reading passageo TDA essay response will be scored on text analysis and on

writing compositional skills




PSSA Science

Assessment2014




PSSA Science 2014

All students in grades 4 and 8

Exception:

o PASA students




PSSA Science 2014 Criterion Reference Four Reporting Categories - The Nature of Science - Biological Sciences - Physical Sciences - Earth and Space Sciences Embedded Field Test Open-Ended items scored on a 0-2 Item-specific scoring guidelines




PSSA Science 2014

District and School Reporting

A. The Nature of Science

1. Reasoning and Analysis 2. Processes, Procedures, and Tools of Scientific Investigation 3. Systems, Models, and Patterns




PSSA Science 2014


B. Biological Sciences 1. Structure and Function of Organisms 2. Continuity of Life 3. Ecological Behavior and Systems




PSSA Science 2014


C. Physical Sciences 1. Structure, Properties and Interactions of Matter 2. Forms, Sources, Conversions, and Transfer of Energy 3. Principles of Force and Motion




PSSA Science 2014


D. Earth and Space Sciences 1. Earth Features and Processes that Change Earth and Its Resources 2. Weather, Climate, and Atmospheric Processes 3. Composition and Structure of the Universe




PSSA Science 2014

Science Test Composition 50% Nature of Science (Inquiry) 50% Biological Science Physical Science Earth and Space Sciences

(Content)




PSSA Science 2014 Test Blueprint




PSSA Science Performance Level Cut Scores




PSSA Science 2014

Student score comes from: Grades 4 and 8 - 58 Multiple Choice items - Five open-ended items (two points each)




PSSA Science 2014

Total number of items: Grade 4 - 68 Multiple Choice Items - Seven open-ended Items Grade 8 - 70 Multiple Choice Items - Seven open-ended Items




2014 PSSA Science Format

Total Number of Multiple Choice Items per Student

Total Number of Open-Ended Items per Student

Total Number of points

(Common Items Only)

GRADE

Approx.Length

Common Items

Common Scenario

Items

EquatingBlockItems

Field Test

Items

Common Items

(2 points each)

Equating BlockItems

Field Test

items

Number of Score Points per Student

4

110-115 Minutes

2 Sections

58 0 2 8 5 1 1 58+10=68

8

120-125 Minutes

2 Sections

54 4 2 10 5 1 1 58+10=68




Keystone Exams




Keystone Exams Offered three times each year – winter, spring

and summer Offered in Algebra I, Biology and Literature Students can retake them until they score at the

proficient level Project-Based Assessment – contact respective

IU curriculum office or email the SAS helpdesk at [email protected]




Who Takes the Keystones? All students in Grade 11 who have not already taken a

Keystone Exam in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature All students who will complete a Biology course this

school year All students who will complete an Algebra I course

this year All students who will complete coursework that

covers the content of the Literature Exam this year




Keystones and Regulations Students must take the Keystone Exams to

meet class of 2017 graduation requirements under Chapter 4 Regulations.

Students must take the Keystone Exams to meet federal accountability requirements.




Keystone Algebra I Exam




Keystone Algebra I Two modules Each Module has 30 points – 18 from multiple

choice and 12 from open-ended Each open-ended is worth four points Some open-ended will be machine scored Students in the class of 2017 must score at the

proficient or advanced level to graduate




Keystone Algebra I Modules are scored separately and can be

passed separately Students must score proficient (or higher) on

the entire exam but not necessarily pass each module

If a student retakes the exam the highest score on each module will count




Keystone Algebra I – What It Measures




Keystone Algebra I – Test Format




Keystone Algebra I – Point Distribution




Keystone Algebra I – Estimated Time




Keystone Literature Exam




Keystone Exams will be used for three purposes:

- Federal Accountability as per ESEA Flexibility Waiver requirements- Chapter 4 requirement that the class of 2017 and beyond must demonstrate proficiency for the purpose of earning a PA high school diploma- State Accountability as per new School

Performance Profile (SPP) requirements




The Literature Keystone Exam will assess students’ mastery of the Literature Assessment Anchors as defined by the Eligible Content and will be aligned to the Concepts and Competencies.

Module 1 Module 2Assessment Anchors Covered Fiction Literature Nonfiction Literature

Number of Eligible Content Covered 25 31




Types of questions and number of questions covered in the Literature Keystone Exam operational form.

*Multiple Choice Questions

Constructed Response Questions





Number of Operational Questions

2 17 3 2 17 3 4 34 6

Number of Field Test Questions

1 6 1 1 6 1 2 12 2

Total 3 23 4 3 23 4 6 46 8

Module 1 Module 2 Total

* Number of passages




Types of questions and number of points covered in the Literature Keystone Exam operational form.

Module 1 Module 2

Number of Operational Multiple Choice Questions

17 questions @ 1 point each = 17points

17 questions @ 1 point each = 17 points

Number of Operational Constructed- Response Questions

3 questions at 3 points each = 9 points

3 questions at 3 points each = 9 points

Total Number of Points 26 points 26 points

Percentage of Points for Entire Test 50% 50%

There will be a total of 52 points (Module 1 and Module 2 combined), with approximately 65 percent multiple-choice points and 35 percent constructed-response points.




Estimated time a typical student would need to complete Module 1 and Module 2 of the Literature Keystone Exam operational form.

Operational Questions

Field Test Questions

Total Questions

Number of Minutes 104 42 146




Keystone Biology Exam





Three purposes:- Federal Accountability as per ESEA

Flexibility Waiver requirements- Proposed state requirement that the class of 2017 and beyond must demonstrate

proficiency for the purpose of earning a PA high school diploma

- State Accountability as per new School Performance Profile (SPP)

requirements





The Biology Keystone Exam will measure the Biology Assessment Anchors as defined by the

Eligible Content and will be aligned to the Concepts and Competencies

Module 1 - Cells and Cell Processes

Module 2 - Continuity and Unity of Life





Eligible Content may be assessed using knowledgeand/or skills associated with the Nature of Science




Accommodations




Accommodations for State Assessments Training and guidelines posted on PDE website.

o Accommodations Training for PSSA and Keystone Exams.

o 2014 Keystone & PSSA Accommodations Guidelines

o 2014 English Language Learners Guidelineso 2014 Read-Aloud Guidelines

Video Sign Language (VSL) version new this year PASA Accommodations - www.pasaassessment.org




Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)




Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)

Math & Reading: Feb 17 – Mar 28, 2014 Science: February 17 – May 9, 2014 Writing: No statewide test form; individually created

(by teacher), scored (by teacher), and stored (in IEP folder)

Who participates in the PASA? Grades 3-8 and 11 Students with a significant cognitive disability




PASA Participation Guidelines Student must meet all 6 eligibility criteria Guidelines are posted on PASA website and

on PDE Special Education website See PDE Bureau of Special Education

assessment page for more information.




PASA Contact Information Who manages the test?

o PASA Project at the University of Pittsburgho http://www.pasaassessment.org/o (412) 648-7363o All test materials are shipped from and returned to

PASA Project




Monitoring




Monitoring

In 2007 PDE began monitoring schools and districts regarding PSSA test security, administration, etc. This process will continue in 2013-14.

All visits will be unannounced.

Letters detailing monitoring visit results will be mailed to district/school administration as soon as possible following each visit.




Coming in 2015

Grades 3 – 8 Reading and Writing transitioning to ELA

Grades 3 – 8 Math and ELA based on PCS Separate booklets for Math and ELA

pennsylvania state assessments 2013 - 2014

Documents

test administration

test security

test administrator

test takersbeginning

handling test materials

governor ronald

acting secretary of

following assessments