Make your voice heard on achievement level scores!
Expectations for student learning are changing. Oregon is one of more than 40 U.S. states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This new, more rigorous set of standards in English language arts and mathematics replace Oregon’s previous English language arts and math standards.
Students in grades 3–8 and high school will take the first state tests aligned to the Common Core this spring. The updated OAKS (Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) assessment to measure students’ learning in math and English language arts will be provided by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.
As we transition to this new assessment, all Oregonians have the opportunity to engage in setting achievement levels for the new Smarter Balanced assessments. Achievement levels are ranges of scores that indicate how students perform on tests. The State of Oregon and the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium want to ensure Smarter Balanced achievement levels reflect challenging but fair expectations for all Oregon students. For this reason, educators, parents, and business leaders are being called on to recommend achievement levels after reviewing test questions from selected English and math tests.
The Oregon Department of Education has asked community members to consider adding your voice to this important project on behalf of Oregon’s students. All are encouraged to participate! Visit www.smarterbalanced.org to learn more about the online panel. If you’re interested in participating, register at www.smarterbalanced.org/onlinepanel by September 19, 2014.
Learn more about the Common Core State Standards:
www.4j.lane.edu/instruction/commoncorestatestandards
www.corestandards.org/what-parents-should-know
