The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) consortium released information September 25 related to spring 2015 administration of the PARCC assessments, including the amount of time districts should schedule for each test session, estimated release dates for test manuals and technology guidelines, student registration dates, and when to expect the next round of practice tests. The New Jersey Department of Education is expected to release additional information later today.
The memo establishes ‘session test times’ (called "unit testing times" in the forthcoming test manuals) so that schools can begin the scheduling process. The times are based on two things:
- Findings from the field test showed that it took most students less time to complete the field test in spring 2014 than originally projected and scheduled
- A reduction in the number of English Language Arts/literacy text passages and test items, especially in the lower grades, based on a finding that it was possible to measure all the standards reliably with fewer items.
The spring 2015 session test times are adjusted to reflect both of these factors.
Scheduling Sessions
Schools are required to schedule the full session (unit) time so that all students have the opportunity complete the test. Students with disabilities and English learners are also eligible for an extended time accommodation.
Estimated Time on Task is the approximate amount of time, based on data from the field test, in which the majority of students may complete a unit. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Future Session Timing
According to the info released, “The PARCC states are committed to re-examining the session test times again following the spring 2015 administration and adjusting the time accordingly to ensure the right balance between generating useful and timely information for teachers and families, and minimizing the time the test sessions take.”
Resources
- PARCC Press Release
- NJDOE Memo