The document provides information about various standardized tests such as MAP, CAHSEE, and CST. It discusses the RIT scale used in MAP assessments and how the DesCartes program can help teachers interpret MAP data and target instruction to students' needs and skill levels. DesCartes contains information on skills and concepts for students to enhance, develop, or introduce based on their MAP RIT scores. The document provides tips on how teachers can use DesCartes to group students, set goals, select materials, and develop individualized learning plans.

1. MAP AND DESCARTES JCCS Training 11/18/08

2. JCCS Assessment 101 Assessment Content Type Reading Math ELA Hist/SS Science Standardized Adaptive Diagnostic Progress Monitor Summative High Stakes MAP X X X X X X X CAHSEE X X X X X X CST X X X X X X X X CELDT X X X X X X X JCCS Writing Sample X X X Textbook Tests X X X X X X X X Teacher-Created Tests X X X X X X X X

3. JCCS Assessment 101 ASSESSMENT FREQUENCY GRADE LEVELS MAP Intake/Every 90 Days 2 through 12 CAHSEE Up to 6 Times per Year 10 through 12 CST Once per Year 2 through 11 CELDT Up to 2 Times per Year K through 12 JCCS Writing Sample Intake/Every 90 Days 6 through 12 Textbook Tests Ongoing ALL Teacher-Created Tests Ongoing ALL

4. Never Use Only One Point of Data Local -Classroom State Periodic Triangulation

5. Measures of Academic Progress The MAP test uses a measurement scale that has proven to be exceptionally stable and valid over time. The scale is based on the same modern test theory that aligns student achievement levels with item difficulties on the same scale. The scale is divided into equal parts (an equal interval scale), like centimeters on a ruler. We call these parts RITs, which is short for Rasch Unit (after the test theory's founder, Danish statistician Georg Rasch). Like using a ruler to measure a child's growth in height, we use the RIT scale to measure a student’s academic growth over time.

6. The Test Theory and the MAP Low High Item Difficulty Low High Adaptive Peaked Conventional Rectangular Conventional From Weiss, 1985 Measurement Precision

7. The Test Theory and the MAP Beginning Literacy Adult Reading 9 th Grade x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x MAP Test + + - + - - - + + + + 215 150 250

8. Predicting CAHSEE Passing with MAP

9. Predicting CAHSEE Passing with MAP

10. The MAP and the GED GED Reading Level is 9th Grade Corresponding MAP Reading RIT is 226

11. What is a Lexile? A unit for measuring text difficulty that is linked to the RIT score A resource that allows teachers to use the student’s RIT score to find appropriately challenging books, periodicals, and other reading material Our JCCS Novel Kits are ALL lexiled…

12. The Lexile Score Represents… The level of text that a student can read with 75% comprehension . For a student with a RIT of 205, books in the 600-750 Lexile range provide an excellent match with the student’s instructional reading level . } Guided Instruction (+50) 75% Comprehension } Independent (-100) Lexile NWEA RIT 600L 700L 750L 205

13. DesCartes The purpose of DesCartes is to help guide instruction based on reports from computerized Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. DesCartes enhances a teacher’s ability to provide targeted instruction for individual students or groups of students.

14. DesCartes DesCartes contains separate sections for reading, language usage, and mathematics. These three learning areas align directly to the CAHSEE.

15. MAP/CAHSEE Alignment Mathematics Number Sense Algebra & Functions Measurement & Geometry Statistics & Probability Mathematical Reasoning Reading and Language Usage Word Analysis & Vocabulary Information Structure & Critique Comprehend & Analyze Text Literary Response & Analysis Writing Strategies Writing Applications Grammar and Mechanics Mathematics Number Sense Algebra & Functions Measurement & Geometry Statistics & Probability Mathematical Reasoning Algebra 1 English/Language Arts Word Analysis Reading Comprehension Literary Analysis Writing Strategies Writing Applications Writing Conventions MAP CAHSEE

16. Interpreting DesCartes (Sample Page)

17. Using DesCartes Given a student's (RIT) achievement score, teachers can identify the portion of DesCartes that represents the student's instructional level. The skills and concepts listed at RIT ranges below the student’s score may need to be reinforced and enhanced to maintain them. The learning continuum statements in RIT ranges just above are the skills and concepts which may need to be introduced with appropriate structure.

18. An Example… One student, Marty, has an overall score of 187 in reading. By using the table of contents in the Reading section of the DesCartes notebook, Marty’s teacher can find the page with RIT scores between 181and 190.

19. An Example… Having located this page, Marty’s teacher will refer to the center column (Skills and Concepts to Develop) and use these statements as a guideline for targeted instruction.

20. Skills and Concepts to Enhance When a student responds correctly to test items 75% of the time, we consider the related skills and concepts appropriate to enhance.

21. Skills and Concepts to Develop When a student responds correctly to test items 50% of the time, we consider the related skills and concepts appropriate to develop. The statements in the skills and concepts to develop column are those that a student is ready to learn.

22. Skills and Concepts to Introduce When a student responds correctly to test items 25% of the time, we consider the related skills and concepts appropriate to introduce. Many students can learn skills and concepts in this column if the appropriate groundwork is laid or if a task is presented in a more structured format.

23. Tips on Ways to Use DesCartes Give meaning to RIT scores The RIT scale provides the framework by which we measure student growth. DesCartes puts flesh on that framework, providing a better picture of what students already know and what they need to learn next.

24. Tips on Ways to Use DesCartes Assist teachers in selecting and sharing appropriate instructional materials By knowing where students are performing, teachers can collaborate with one another and can utilize sets of resources typically found outside their individual classrooms. This helps to ensure that the appropriate materials needed for each child are available.

25. Tips on Ways to Use DesCartes Guide teachers as they develop needs-based, or flexible groups, for instruction DesCartes provides a map for individual students and groups of students based on students’ specific instructional levels and needs. Look at DesCartes to find skills that may supplement specific grade-level standards as well as skills that fall below and above that standard. Based on their RIT ranges, divide the students into three or four groups. Work with them in these groups once or twice a week on specific skills related to their goal area.

26. Tips on Ways to Use DesCartes Assist in establishing goals for students and teachers and communicating with parents By providing general information about students’ instructional needs, goals can be specific, measurable, and attainable by every student.

27. Tips on Ways to Use DesCartes Develop learning plans that focus instruction on the specific needs of students DesCartes is an excellent guide to put together individualized plans for each student in a classroom. Create a specific set of learning goals for a student by listing certain skills and competencies that he or she should focus on for the next determined period of time.