New PARCC Testing: Preparing for Common Core in Illinois

This year Illinois is rolling out their new Common Core assessments. These new assessments will be aligned with PARCC Common Core standards. These new standards will help prepare children to enter college, and the job market upon graduating. Many parents and educators have numerous questions about the assessments. This article will try to clear up some of the common questions about the PARCC testing that is being introduced this year. It will also give teachers and parents some valuable information, and resources that can help make the transition to the new test easier.

Assessment types: What are they, and what are they used for?

In preparation for PARCC testing, there are some fairly new terms being used on a regular basis by people in the education community. When it comes to assessments, there is some key assessments that not only the teachers but parents should also know the meaning to.
Formative assessment: This test is given by teachers in the classroom throughout the year. It is given as a diagnostic test to gauge the readiness of their students for specific areas with the content area. These tests can help teachers to identify needs that need to be addressed prior to the end of the year assessment.

Interim assessment:

This assessment is used in intervals to judge how well a student is improving. An example of this would be a teacher giving a test on Multiplying at the beginning of the school year. She would then give the same test to the students a month later. She can compare both tests to see what improvements have been made in that area.

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