As standardized test season approaches, it's essential to leverage the valuable resources provided by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to set your students up for success.
The SCDE offers an array of tools, including:
- Online Tools Training (OTT)
- Item type descriptions for SC READY and EOCEP
- Sample Items for SC READY and EOCEP
- Test Blueprints
- Test Data Review Reports
These resources are designed to help you ensure your assessments align with state exams and effectively measure student understanding.
Make the Most of Online Tools Training (OTT)
The OTT is a must-use resource to familiarize your students with the item types they will encounter on state exams. While some item types are shared across subjects, others are subject-specific. Special attention should be given to Evidence-Based Selected Response (EBSR) items, which contain two parts—both of which must be answered correctly for students to receive credit. Additionally, Multi-Select questions often challenge students to select multiple correct answers, so careful reading and comprehension are critical. Hot Spot questions, requiring students to interact with selectable objects to demonstrate their understanding, should also be practiced in the classroom.
Utilize Sample Items and Test Blueprints
Sample items for SC READY and EOCEP provide insight into the types of questions students will encounter on state exams. Reviewing these examples, alongside the test blueprints, can guide you in creating assessments that mirror the rigor and format of the state tests. Designing aligned assessments ensures that your students are well-prepared and confident when test day arrives.
Align Instruction and Assessments to Standards
It’s crucial to move beyond assessments that rely solely on recall and lower-level thinking skills. Consistently using questions aligned to the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels specified by state standards fosters critical thinking and application skills. For instance, if a science standard requires students to use mathematical and computational representations to explain how biotic and abiotic factors affect an ecosystem's carrying capacity, assessments should challenge students to apply those representations—not merely identify factors.
By utilizing the SCDE resources and thoughtfully aligning your instruction and assessments, you can empower your students to excel on state exams. Let’s set them up for success through intentional preparation and rigorous learning experiences!