ARCHIVE: Assessment FAQ

This time of year brings a number of challenges in the classroom. The concept of time seems to become fluid, where class periods seem to go by in a moment and the week seems to drag on forever. The impossibility of achieving 100% attendance captures the concept of the asymptote with precision. And, obviously, the pressure of state testing builds.

For many, these last few days and weeks before the test is filled with hope and anxiety for our students. I hope that you are able to reassure your students that they have been prepared for the test all year. I hope you are reassured that you have been diligently working to give your students the best opportunity to learn. And, no matter how it goes, I am sure you already know that there is much more to being a great teacher, student, principal, etc. than what the test can measure… so, keep your head up and keep doing what’s best for your kids.

In an effort to simplify your world, we wanted to capture the most commonly asked questions about testing here. If you have other questions, please email us and we’ll get an answer to you and edit this post as soon as we can.

Elementary Math: Jennifer.Lamb@sde.ok.gov
Secondary Math: Levi.Patrick@sde.ok.gov
Math Assessment Specialist: Angela.Bilyeu@sde.ok.gov

Without further ado:

Where can I find/access the practice test?

OCCT EOI PRACTICE TEST

Use this information to log in to the OCCT EOI Practice Test*:
URL http://oklahoma.measuredprogress.org/student/login
Student Login practice
Password oklahoma
* Accommodations are provided in the Kiosk version of the Practice Test only.

OCCT GRADES 6-8 PRACTICE TEST

Use this information to log in to the OCCT Grades 6-8 Practice Test*:
URL http://oklahoma.measuredprogress.org/student/login
Student Login practice
Password testing
* Accommodations are provided in the Kiosk version of the Practice Test only.

On the practice test, students can change do things that I thought weren’t allowed…why?

From above: “Accommodations are provided in the Kiosk version of the Practice Test only.” This happens because it is quite difficult to create a practice test for every combination of accommodations that might exist. So, the Kiosk (practice test version) shows all of them. The regular calculator policy (see below) still applies even if it showed up on the practice test.

Where can I find the Parent, Student and Teacher Guides?

You can access the PSTGs here: http://www.measuredprogress.org/static/OK/occtPSTGs.html. See the next question for information about mistakes or misaligned questions in the PSTGs.

I noticed some mistakes and misalignments in the Parent, Student and Teacher Guides…why?

You can find the official announcement and replacement questions here: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKSDE/bulletins/fd8320

When is the testing window?

You can download the Testing Calendar here: http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/Testing%20Calendar%20-%202014-2015%20-%20Revised%201-16-15.pdf

What calculators are allowed?

You can download the Calculator Policy here: http://www.ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/CalculatorPolicy%2814-15%29%2815-16%29.pdf

The short story:

• Grades 3-8: None, except as an accommodation.
• Algebra 1/Geometry: Scientific
• Algebra 2: Graphing (without CAS)

Is the TI N-Spire allowed on the Algebra II EOI?

The TI-Nspire can be used as long as it is not the CAS (Computer Algebraic System) version. The functionality cannot be used on the state assessments. The calculator will need to be placed in the “press-to-test” mode. http://education.ti.com/…/exam-acceptance/press-to-test

What calculator will be provided for students in the online testing platform?

The new testing vendor, Measured Progress, does not have the TI-84 or TI-30 as their online calculator.  They have a proprietary calculator, that differs greatly from the TI calculators that have previously been available.  If you have students that are not able to bring in a handheld calculator and rely on the online calculator, please ensure they take the practice test so they can practice using the available online calculator.

What are the cut scores?

The Office of Assessment is in the final stages of ensuring the cut scores are able to be released. We expect them to be released this week.

Will the students see their score after the test?

Yes. Students taking the online tests will see their raw score. Students taking the EOI will immediately know their proficiency level as well. Details are still being worked out to see if this capability will be available for grades 6-8.

Where can I find out more about the test?

The most reliable information available for understanding the content and structure of the OCCTs and EOIs is the Test and Item Specifications. Not only is there information about the blueprint (or question distribution), Depth of Knowledge, and the content and process standards, there is guidance provided for each standard on how it will be tested.

This includes Emphasis, Stimulus Attributes, Format, Content Limits, Primary Process Standard(s), and the Distractor Domain.

You can download the Item Specs here: http://ok.gov/sde/documents/2013-09-05/blue-prints-plds-item-specs

If I wanted to read all of the presentations and manuals that have been sent to Building and District Testing Coordinators, where would I go?

You can see pretty much everything sent to DTCs here: http://ok.gov/sde/assessment-administrator-resources-administrators

If you still can’t find what you are looking for, you can get in touch with Measured Progress these ways:

• Measured Progress Help & Support Site: http://www.measuredprogress.org/web/occt/1
• Phone: 866-629-0220
• Email: servicedesk@measuredprogress.org