MDE Assessment Information – updated teacher guides and resource links

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Now that fall is here and school is back in session, state assessments come to mind. If you are thinking of having your students take the math item samplers, look for an updated version coming soon.

You may not be aware that a teacher guide exists for each math item sampler because it is a little tricky to find, but that’s all about to change. Updated teacher guides for each grade with additional information, like benchmark wording, rationales, and answer keys for technology enhanced items, will be available following the release of the new item samplers. The teacher guides will be moved to a more convenient, easy-to-find location. We will announce their posting in an upcoming MathBits post.

With so many testing resources available, it can get confusing to keep track of them all. Find assessment resources easily with the pathways listed below. Navigate to a resource, then add it to your favorites or bookmark it in your browser for quick access.

Item Samplers    www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Item Samplers -> Online Item Samplers

Teacher Guides for Item Samplers

www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Item Samplers -> MCA Paper Accommodations -> GX Math MCA 12-point Accommodated Item Sampler -> Teacher Guide is located at end of paper item sampler

Tutorial    www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Resources -> Student Resources -> Online Student Tutorial for Reading, Mathematics, and Science MCA (2014-2015)

Formula Sheets    www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Resources -> Student Resources -> Mathematics Formula Sheet, Grade X

Online Calculator    www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Resources -> Grade X Calculator

Assessment Manual    www.pearsonaccess.com -> Minnesota -> Quick Links -> Resources -> Student Resources -> Manuals -> MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual (2014-2015)

Minnesota Academic Standards    http://education.state.mn.us -> Educator Excellence -> Standards, Curriculum and Instruction -> K-12 Academic Standards -> Mathematics -> (scroll down to bottom of page) Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics (2007)

Frameworks    http://education.state.mn.us -> Educator Excellence -> Standards, Curriculum and Instruction -> K-12 Academic Standards -> Mathematics -> View the frameworks

Test Specifications    http://education.state.mn.us -> Educator Excellence -> Testing Resources -> Test Specifications

All the best for a successful new school year!

Ann Page    Ann.page@state.mn.us

Rosemary Heinitz    Rosemary.heinitz@state.mn.us