Frequently+Asked+Questions


 * Frequently Asked Questions**

Online checkpoints, MAP, and KCA data will automatically be submitted to the district. Beyond that, for reading, the only data that needs to be submitted is information specifically indicated in the “Indicators for Success by 2015.”
 * What data will be turned into the district? (Letter ID, sentence dictation, F&P diagnostic…)**

Elementary Indicators- · “80% of all students in 1st grade are reading 1st grade material [Such as Level 5 at the end of 1st quarter; level 10-12 end of 2nd, Level 15-17 end of 3rd, Level 20 end of 1st grade] o In response to this indicator, the district will collect F&P testing data for first graders at the end of 1st quarter only. · “90% of all students exit 3rd grade reading on grade level” o This data will be collected from state assessments

F&P tests are intended to give much more comprehensive feedback than a traditional quick running record. Because of this, we do not recommend administering these assessments quarterly. Instead, LBD testing books (or our old testing books) can be used for quick placement. LBD testing books are designed to align with F&P. How often these kits are used is a site based decision, in general, they’re designed to be used 3 times each year (although an individual teacher may need a more frequent check of certain students). Only 1st grade data, from the end of 1st quarter, will be turned into the district.
 * How often are schools expected to give the F&P tests?**

Each K-2 classroom teacher should have his or her own kit. Each building should have one 3-5 kit to share, however large buildings can request an additional 3-5 kit.
 * Who gets F&P kits?**

K-2 teachers might need to use it to tests students reading above grade level. 3-5th grade teachers might need to use it for students performing below grade level and for whom they need additional data.
 * Who will use the 3-5 kit?**

Yes, but there are changes. Grade 1-5 will take the MAP tests only in the fall. Kindergarten is not required to take MAP tests until the spring.
 * Are we still taking the MAP?**

No. These are ENI tests that correlate to their Fundamental Lessons (listed in pacing guide under additional resources) and are below grade level tests. Mark Twain and Emerson are piloting them this year to see if they provide quality baseline data that aligns with our standards. These tests tend to be 40-60 questions long and need to be read aloud to young students. While these tests are available on Compass, we do not recommend administering them at this time. The Fundamental Lessons (which are below grade level) can be used without taking the Fundamental Test. Other assessments and classroom observation can be used to select appropriate Fundamental Lessons. Fundamental Lessons are an additional resource to be used on an as needed basis.
 * Do we also take the fundamentals tests?**

Yes. More specific information regarding accommodations will be coming soon.
 * Do ESL and SPED students have to take the grade level checkpoints? **

This year it will be a site based decision. You might have each PLC put their heads around what makes the most sense. What’s important is that you are still covering the indicators listed under that checkpoint and checking in with students to see how they’re progressing relative to this material. PLC's should also consider looking for opportunities already embedded in the instruction, including assessment resources in LBD and MI2 where they align with the pacing guide. Approaches should be consistent within grade levels at each building.
 * What should K-2 do for the 1st 2 checkpoints in reading and math?**

At this point they are primarily to be used to inform instruction, not grades. While the results from a checkpoint assessment might help a teacher determine a grade, they should not be the sole determining factor.
 * How do the checkpoints relate to grading?**

This information will come out closer to checkpoint 1. In general, the checkpoints are 20-30 questions long and can be administered by students rotating through a few classroom based computers, or as a whole group with laptops or in a lab.
 * What will the process for administering the online checkpoints look like?**

This is a site based decision.
 * Should we still use the formatives for the KCA?**

For now, continue what you’ve been doing at your site. You might need to make some modifications to respond to the pacing guide and classroom based writing assessments that are given with two checkpoints. Please note that the writing checkpoints are typically only around narrative text, however you should continue your writing instruction around all text types.
 * Writing is not a part of the pacing guide other than in the classroom based assessments. How should we handle this?**

Not until 2013 (5th grade only). However, 2 checkpoints at each grade level have a classroom based writing assessment.
 * When are there state writing assessments?**

On the pacing guides, there will generally be an LBD component, Fill the Gaps lessons, and strategy lessons. These together will make up your primary resources.
 * Should we only be using LBD?**

These are a good place to start, but you will most likely need to supplement them with your guided reading libraries.
 * Should we only use LBD books for small group instruction?**