The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a group of states that work together to develop a set of assessments that measure whether students are on track to be successful in college and their careers. These tests give superior information about whether students are on track in their learning. Coventry High School’s guidance counselor, Mrs. Beaudoin, took time to give a very informative interview. She provided answers to some very important questions that YOU may have been asking.
BY ALEXANDRIA MARR
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a group of states that work together to develop a set of assessments that measure whether students are on track to be successful in college and their careers. These tests give superior information about whether students are on track in their learning. Coventry High School’s guidance counselor, Mrs. Beaudoin, took time to give a very informative interview. She provided answers to some very important questions that YOU may have been asking.
Question: What is PARCC? Who is tested?
Mrs Beaudoin: PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers)is an assessment aimed at assessing students readiness for life after high school. All public school students grades 3-8 are testing in ELA and Math. High school students are currently testing in Algebra 1, Geometry and ELA grades 9 and 10
Question: How do you think students can best prepare for the PARCC test?
Mrs. Beaudoin: Again, learning the tools and nuances of the testing program would help students. They can also be prepared by doing their best in their classes where the common core curriculum is taught every day.
Question: What are your thoughts on PARCC testing?
Mrs. Beaudoin: I think if used correctly and students have been properly prepared, the PARCC testing could be a good way to evaluate students across all of the schools in RI.
Question: What do you dislike/like about the new test?
Mrs. Beaudoin: I do not feel that our students were sufficiently trained on how to take the PARCC test online. There are several aspects of taking an online test, use of the tools for example that may affect the way a student answers. I also do not like the time the testing takes away from the teaching and learning of our curriculum.
Question: When will PARCC become a part of the graduation requirement?
Mrs Beaudoin: As of now, the state said it will be required for the class of 2020
Question: Do you think the PARCC test should become a graduation requirement?
Mrs. Beaudoin: My personal opinion is that one test should not dictate whether a student graduates from high school or not.
Question: What can students do to increase their ability to perform well on the test?
Mrs. Beaudoin: Doing their best in their classes each day will help them on the test. Also, understanding the tools of the online test, getting a good night’s sleep and eating breakfast on the morning of the tests always helps. Students should also go into the test with a positive attitude.
Question: How is PARCC different from NECAP?
Mrs. Beaudoin: PARCC is based on the common core curriculum and is aimed at assessing students readiness for college and careers. NECAP was testing understanding of a subject area.
Question: Why did schools transition from NECAP to PARCC?
Mrs. Beaudoin: State educational leaders have adopted the common core curriculum and the PARCC test is the assessment created from the common core.
Question: What is the difference between performance based assessments and end of the year assessments? ( Students take the test again in May)
Mrs. Beaudoin: The performance based assessments are to see how students apply skills and concepts they have learned after completing approximately 75% of the curriculum. The end of year will have students demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired after completing approximately 90% of the curriculum.
There you have it Coventry Oakers. PARCC isn’t just some pointless test. It’s truly important! It exemplifies what type of students we all are. Thank you to Mrs. Beaudoin for taking the time to answer all of the important questions many students have wondered about. Don’t forget to recognize that Knowledge Is Power!
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