Pacing Guide Calendars/Benchmark Blueprints and Assessments Overview

2012-13

         WCCUSD is in the second year of a major update of the benchmark assessment program. This work continues to involve changes in the way that benchmarks are administered and how the results from these assessments are used.

·        Math and ELA (including Writing) assessments and pacing guides were reviewed and updated by teachers for teachers during the spring and summer 2012.

o   Pacing Guides provide information on lesson sequence and number of days suggested for each lesson

o   Benchmark Blueprints identify the grade level standards assessed on each benchmark

o   Academic and assessment calendars provide a “Big Picture” view of assessments during the year

·        Feedback about the Benchmarks and Pacing Guides will be collected during the year

·        Administration of 2012-13 ELA, ELD and Math benchmarks by the “Scan by” dates is mandatory for all assessment windows for all schools

·        Each benchmark assesses standards taught during the specified instructional period (per the pacing guide calendars)

·        Benchmark assessments are not intended to be used as a comprehensive assessment

·        An optional standards based test for administration during January/February (which provides a snapshot of student readiness for the spring CST administration) will be available

·        Benchmark results should not be reviewed via proficiency band reports (FBB, BB, etc) because combining results in this way does not provide accurate/reliable information

·        Benchmark results will be used to promote collaboration and enable teachers to analyze trends and transform instruction:

o   Edusoft is able to produce reports for error/item analysis review: What were commonly selected incorrect answer choices?

o   Error/item analysis leads to review of instructional practices:  What might have been the misunderstanding that led a student to choose a specific incorrect answer? How can we use this information to transform instruction so that students don’t develop these misunderstandings?

·        Additional formative assessments (program embedded assessments, exit slips, observations, must be used on a regular basis to provide essential information about student needs and progress

        NEW!

·        Quick check assessments will be available for teachers to check in on student understanding of a single standard.

        NEW!

·        Pilot California Common Core Standards assessment test items available in spring 2013.

        Lyn Potter, Director, 510-307-4500, lpotter@wccusd.net

       Sonja Neely-Johnson, Coordinator, 510-307-4522 sneely-johnson@wccusd.net

        Cheryl Broomall, Coordinator, 510-307-4520 cbroomall@wccusd.net