Students attending schools using the Common Core State Standards will have to take standardized assessments come spring 2015. The exams were designed to measure how well students have learned concepts outlined in Common Core. The 2014-15 school year will mark the first year the tests will be given in earnest – in previous years, the tests were still in their pilot phase. As the exams loom on the horizon, parents, teachers and students can learn more about what to expect. Here's a look at some common myths surrounding the assessments, and the truth behind them:
Myth: All states take the same exam
Fact: Not all students will be taking the exact same assessment. The majority of states either administer the Smarter Balanced assessment or the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam. These tests were created by groups of states and are aligned to the Common Core. States that do not belong to these consortiums have worked individually to create their own tests. Depending on where students live, they will either take the Smarter Balanced assessment, PARCC test or their state's unique exam.
Myth: The exams are the same for everyone
Fact: Standardized tests are geared toward specific grades and the content students must know at that level. For instance, fifth grade students will take a test assessing their knowledge of fifth grade math and English/language arts benchmarks. Furthermore, Smarter Balanced assessment is adaptive. Taken on the computer, the exam measures how the student is doing so far, and provides questions that match the student's performance. If he or she is scoring well, the test will give more difficult questions. Struggling students will be given easier ones. As such, the exam will look different depending on who is taking it. The PARCC assessment does not use this format, and is static in its delivery of test items.
Myth: The tests will have unique formats
Fact: As with many other standardized exams, the Common Core-aligned tests feature multiple choice, essay and short-answer questions, along with math word problems. Most students are already familiar with this structure, and won't be surprised when taking their new assessments.
Myth: All preparation must occur in the classroom
Fact: Students can prepare for their spring tests outside of class. By taking online practice tests and reviewing what they learned in school, students can enter their exams with a little more confidence.
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