Assessment tests hotline, on-line resources available to students
As students prepare the first phase of annual state assessments this month, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is encouraging students, parents, and educators to take advantage of resources available to help students practice and sharpen their skills.
In Iberville Parish, Phase I of the Louisiana Educational Assessment (LEAP) Tests are scheduled next week.
Louisiana's student assessment program is a key component of the state's Accountability System. The state began administering the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)test in 1999, the Graduation Exit Exam (GEE)in 2001 and the Integrated LEAP (iLEAP)in 2006. Over the course of the 11 years, the percentage of students performing at grade-level on state assessments has increased from 45 percent in 1999 to 66 percent in 2010.
"We've confirmed our students are capable of performing at grade-level or better,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “And while testing alone is not the answer to our challenges, it does give us a measure of our strengths and weaknesses, which is necessary for real and sustainable progress. The reality that 230,000, or one-third, of our students still aren't grade-level proficient also compels us to push forward with urgency."
LDOE will once again host its Tutoring Hotline, which is specifically centered on assisting 4th and 8th grade students and their families as they prepare. Tutors assist students and their families in answering questions from sample test books. The Hotline will operate from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, from March 14 through April 8. The toll-free phone number for the Hotline is 1-877-453-2721.
These testing resources are available online:
Through LDOE's Testing Resource Center, which is posted on the agency's website, www.louisianaschools.net,teachers, families and students may access multiple resources.
EAGLE- Web-based resource offering pre-developed tests and tools for creating customized teacher-developed tests using items aligned to the state's GLEs. This tool is available any time to teachers and administrators.
PASSOnline- Web-based practice tests with instructional feedback based on student responses. PASS practice tests are designed to help Louisiana students prepare for the LEAP, GEE, iLEAP, LAA2, and End-of-Course tests. PASS Online includes tests in ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students can obtain a password to participate through their school or by calling 1-877-453-2721.
PASS On Paper- Practice tests provided for students in grades 4, 8, 10 and 11 who may not have access to a home computer. Students may download and print copies of the PASS On Paper tests, which offer lessons in ELA, math, science and social studies that are similar to those found on the state's standardized assessments.
Newton's Classroom- Web-based mathematics tutorials and assessments for students in grades 1-8. Newton's Classroom is an interactive online program that addresses place value, rounding, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percents, as well as addition/subtraction of fractions and multiplication/division of fractions. A read-aloud (audio) function is available for place value and rounding. Also included is an interactive multiplication flash card component with detailed student reports to help students recall multiplication facts quickly. Students can obtain a password to participate through their school or by calling 1-877-453-2721.
The Reading Runway- This resource is a reading tutorial for students in grades Pre-K-3. The program encourages the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, oral language and comprehension. Students can obtain a password to participate through their school or by calling 1-877-453-2721.
Released Test Items- Examples of standardized test items and rubrics for instructional use in the classroom or at home.
Assessment Guides- The Assessment Guides, available to educators, contain descriptions of the test design and content with reference sheets, sample items, and rubrics.
For more information, please visit www.louisianaschools.netor contact the Office of Public Affairs, Louisiana Department of Education at 225-342-3600 or toll-free at 1-877-453-2721.