Dora kennedy French

Immersion PTA meeting

February 8th 2017
 Throughout their academic career, all students
will take standardized tests, including an annual
state test to measure how well they are
progressing in the skills and content at each
grade level. Tests can open doors to many great
opportunities in life, including college,
scholarships and professional careers. For many
students, however, standardized tests can bring
a lot of stress and anxiety. Here are some
resources to help you better understand what
your child is learning and some simple things
you can do at home to help him or her feel less
anxious and more prepared for the PARCC test.
 What is PARCC ?
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for
College and Careers (PARCC) is a group of states
that brought teachers, administrators and experts
together to develop tests to measure how well
students understand and are able to apply the skills
and knowledge required by the state standards. The
PARCC tests are given annually in math and English
language arts in grades 3-8 and are structured to be
taken online for a more interactive test experience,
but can also be taken with pencil and paper. The
tests also are designed to provide educators with a
deeper understanding of how students learn.
What makes PARCC different?
PARCC assessments:
Not only evaluate a students progress, but also show teachers and
parents where a student needs help so they are able to personalize
instruction to meet individual student needs.
Will help ensure all students, regardless of
income or family background, have equal
access to a world-class education to prepare
them for success in college and careers.
Serve as an educational GPS system,
assessing where a student currently is and the
best route to get to where they need to be by
graduation so they are career and college
ready.
Will help students achieve, which will lead to a
better-educated workforce, stronger
communities and a more competitive United
States.
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What makes PARCC different?

It tests critical thinking, rather than rote memorization. The

test goes well beyond the traditional bubble tests by measuring
critical thinking and problem solving skills that are very important in
college and the workforce.
Other tests PARCC assessments
Primarily use multiple-choice format that Allow students to submit answers and detailed responses,
emphasizes memorization, test prep and eliminating guesswork and allowing students to show
guessing. their thinking and knowledge.

Test students rote learning. Assess students abilities to read carefully, communicate
clearly and problem solve.

Offer basic, one-step problems. Present challenging, multi-tiered problems.

Are too vague to offer detailed insight to gauge Provide students, parents and educators detailed
students readiness for the next step toward success. information so they can understand how students are
progressing, where they need assistance and where they
can be encouraged to do more.

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Sample Questions
To take a practice PARCC test, go to http://www.parcconline.org/take-the-test

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Sample Questions
Math
Grade 4

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DKFI PARCC data
DKFI PARCC data
 Parent Score Report
PARCC state leaders and educators have designed a
detailed and clear student assessment report on how your
student is progressing and where he or she needs
assistance.
The PARCC score report
uses clear icons and colors
combined with
information to explain
results and resources for
more information.
The report is intended to
help you work with your
students teachers and
school officials to decide
how best to support your
students needs.
 How You Can Support your
Child
Read a combination of fiction and non-fiction aloud or
with your child. Look for subjects of interest from
sports heroes to dinosaurs.
Discuss and do real life math with your child. Help
him/her know basic math facts.
Discuss the new tests with your child. Make sure
he/she is not scared or anxious going into the new
tests.
Explain to your child that the tests will initially be more
challenging. Tell your child to do his/her best on the
test and that you are there to help every step of the
way.
After the test, review the results with your child. Bring
the teacher into the discussion as needed.
Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at
home and make sure your child gets a good nights
sleep and a nutritious breakfast before a test.
Above all, be positive and encouraging about the tests.
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 Additional Parent Resources
PARCC offers information about the assessments including
fact sheets, a glossary and sample test questions.
http://parcconline.org/for-parents
(State or district) Resources
(Add state resources here)
National Parent Teacher Association offers grade-by-grade
parent guides for student success. Available in English and
Spanish.
www.pta.org/parents/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2583
Great Schools offers Milestones, a free online collection of
videos aimed at helping parents understand grade-level
expectations in grades K-5.
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/milestones/
America Achieves Raise the Bar offers free parent
resources to help children succeed in school. Must sign up.
http://raisethebarparents.org/raise-the-bar-for-your-child

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 Technology
In (SCHOOL) students will take the PARCC
assessments on (COMPUTER/PAPER/COMPUTER
AND PAPER).
PARCC states understand that in the 21st
century students need to have access to
technology in the classroom throughout the
year, not just at testing time, ensuring they are
comfortable using the technology.
The technology gives students independence
and is more engaging, as it includes videos and
interactive tools. Students are the drivers of
their own testing experience which gives them
confidence.
PARCC is using Universal Design principles to
make the new tests as accessible as possible
to all students, including English learners and
students with disabilities. Your logo
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 Other online resources
Clever : www.cleverinpgcps.org
Khan academy :
www.khanacademy.com
Study island :www.studyisland.com
 PARCC Parent Checklist:
5 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD

FIND OUT THE FACTS

TAKE A LOOK AT THE PRACTICE TEST
https://prc.parcconline.org/assessments/parcc- released-items.
KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE LEARNING IN
ENGLISH AND MATH
http://raisethebarparents.org/what-will-my-child-be- learning-
each-year.
USE YOUR CHILDS TEST RESULTS FROM LAST YEAR TO
IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE HE OR SHE MIGHT NEED
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT.
http://bealearninghero.org/skill-builder.

PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/.