The grade levels that take the MCAS will be the same as the PARCC.
FICTION
MCAS: 3-8 and 10
PARCC: all grades 3-11
100
The PARCC test is being developed to align with the Common Core standards as well as prepare students for post-secondary college and careers.
FACT
The data from higher education institutions state students are not ready to perform at the college level.
100
The field test timeline consists of the 2013/2014 school year.
FICTION
It's 2 years.
100
All students are required to take the PARCC field test on a computer
Fiction:
Students will be allowed to take a paper and pencil version of the test at the outset
100
Students will have to take both the PARCC field test and the MCAS
Fact (In Worcester)
The state has made this is a district level decision.
200
PARCC will assess writing at all grade levels.
FACT
MCAS assesses in grades 4, 7, and 10.
200
Teacher input is not considered when developing test questions.
FICTION
Teachers work in conjunction with Peason and ETS to vet questions.
200
Starting in fall 2016, high school students will have to pass the PARCC in order to receive a state diploma.
FICTION
All students will have to take the MCAS until at least 2018 in order to receive a high school diploma.
200
46% of students in Massachusetts will participate in the PARCC field test.
Fiction:
15% of Massachusetts students in grades 3-11 will take the PARCC field test
200
Students will be made aware of their performance level after taking the PARCC field test.
Fiction:
Test results will be used to shape and design the PARCC
300
PARCC will report a wider spectrum of levels of student performance.
FACT
MCAS: warning, needs improvement, proficient, and advanced
PARCC: no command, partial command, moderate command, strong command, and distinguished command
300
The PARCC test is a testing tool that is being developed by the federal government.
FICTION
There are 18 states working together to build PARCC.
300
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote whether to fully adopt PARCC at the state's new testing program in fall 2015.
FACT
300
All students despite disability or language proficiency level will partipate in the PARCC field test.
Fiction:
First year ELL students, students participating in the MCAS ALT, and those requiring Braile or ASL will not participate in the field test.
300
Parents/Teachers cannot preview the PARCC or help their children/students in their test preparation.
Fiction:
Parents/Teachers can access PARCC preview questions via parcconline.org. Parents/Teachers can help their children prepare for PARCC by familiarizing themselves with the state's academic learning standards.
400
It will take longer to receive the results of the PARCC test.
FICTION
Computer based testing will provide for more timely results. This will allow for more tailored instruction for students in the coming year.
400
PARCC is being funded by a multi-million dollar federal grant.
FACT
186 million dollar grant
400
If the Board votes to adopt the PARCC the official role out will be spring 2015.
FACT
400
The PARCC field test will be comprised of both a performance based assessment and an end of year assessment
Fact:
For the field test, schools must select only one of the two tests.
400
The decision of the readiness of the PARCC will be determined upon available technology, accountability, competency determination.
Fact:
500
PARCC will not allow for national comparisons of student performance.
FICTION
PARCC is working on becoming the national standardized assessment for elementary and secondary students. This will allow schools and state to perform nationwide comparisons.
500
PARCC stands for Progressive Assessement for Reading, Calculations, and Communication
PARCC stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers
500
In 2014/2015 districts will not be allowed to choose whether to administer PARCC or MCAS in grades 3-8.
FICTION
They will be able to choose.
500
The purpose of the PARCC field test:
*To understand how test items perform
* To see how well those items measure student performance compared to the CCSS.
* To form test developed in prep for planned launched of operational PARCC 2015
Fact
500
The choice of field test participating schools were randomly selected by the state department of elementary and secondary education.