March/April 2013 ELA Teacher Update is now posted!

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:52:00 GMT

The March/April 2013 English Language Arts Teacher Update is now posted! The ELA Teacher Update is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that provides teachers and other educators with information about professional development opportunities, teacher and student competitions and awards, and lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. Distributed by listserv, the current issue and past issues are posted here. To learn about subscribing to the English Language Arts Teacher Update, please visit the Content Area Teacher Newsletters web page.

Oregon Publisher Briefing WebEx for CCSS ELA/L and ELP/D 2013

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:51:00 GMT

The Oregon Publisher Briefing is intended for educational publishers and organizations.

The meeting is facilitated by Oregon Department of Education staff and seeks to provide an overview of the Oregon Content Standards, Criteria, and the Oregon review process for CCSS English Language Arts (ELA) and English Language Proficiencly/Development (ELP/D) materials.

Agenda

Publisher Briefing PowerPoint 2013

English Language Proficiency/Development PowerPoint

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Updates

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:16:00 GMT

Technology Clarification to the Field

During the first year of the operational Smarter Balanced testing (which will be spring of the 2014-15 school year) districts will need to have headphones for each student during the English Language Arts/Literacy assessments in order to engage with the listening test items, and for students requiring the text-to-speech option for the math assessments.

However, during 2014-15 districts should not need any additional technology devices for the online assessments. Technology evolution continues to generate smaller, faster, cheaper computers and accessories.

As these devices evolve, schools and districts will need to make the best possible decisions about which technology (platform, operating system and peripherals) will best serve students today and in the future for both instructional and assessment purposes.

As these devices evolve, Smarter plans to also develop their assessments to be ...MORE

2013 Oregon Process Web Conference Meeting - Friday, February 15, 2013

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:26:00 GMT

The Oregon Process Meeting is intended for educational publishers and organizations. The meeting is facilitated by Oregon Department of Education Staff and seeks to provide an overview and opportunity for feedback regarding the Oregon Instructional Materials Review Process.

Agenda

OR Process PowerPoint

ELP/D Standards Information

Recording of WebEx will be posted when converted

ELP/D Pow ...MORE

Publisher Notice # 2 - 2013 Oregon State Adoption Process for Instructional Materials CCSS English Language Arts & Literacy and English Lang Proficiency/Development

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:47:00 GMT

The following materials have been posted for publisher action as the next step in the Oregon CCSS ELA & L and ELP/D process.

The forms and materials included in this notice contain deadlines which will guide you throughout the Instructional Materials process.

Notice # 2 - CCSS ELAL and ELP/D

PDF

Proposal Form 4538 - (Due 4/4/13)

Proposal Form 2013 Electronic

January/February 2013 English Language Arts Teacher Update is now posted! The ELA Teacher Update is a bi-monthly e-newsletter that provides teachers and other educators with information about professional development opportunities, teacher and student competitions and awards, and lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. Distributed by listserv, the current issue and past issues are posted here. To learn about subscribing to the English Language Arts Teacher Update, please visit the Content Area Teacher Newsletters web page.

Revised Smarter Balanced Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs)

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 00:20:00 GMT

The revised Smarter Balanced Initial Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) for both Math and English language arts/literacy, which include the draft college content-readiness definition and policy framework, are now posted for review.

ALDs describe performance on a standardized test in terms of levels or categories of performance. The Smarter Balanced system of ALDs is based upon four levels of achievement that describe whether students have demonstrated “deep command,” “sufficient command,” “partial command,” or “minimal command” of knowledge, skills, and processes across the two assessed content areas of English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

The most commonly understood use of ALDs is to communicate the meaning of test scores to teachers, parents, and students. Smarter Balanced is developing a system of ALDs that serve different purposes for item writing, standard-setting, and reporting results. Governing States are expected to adopt ...MORE

February 2013 Social Sciences Teacher Update Released

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 15:59:00 GMT

In the February 2013 Social Sciences Teacher Update you will read about professional development opportunities, teacher and student competitions and awards, and much more. To learn about subscribing to the Social Sciences Teacher Update, please visit the Content Area Teacher Newsletters web page.

Smarter Balanced Pilot Test (Scientific Sample) Replacement Schools

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:03:00 GMT

In mid-December 2012, ODE received the initial list of schools from Oregon that were randomly selected to participate in the scientific sample of the Smarter Balanced Pilot Test. Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) has been recruiting schools since that time. As anticipated, some of the schools have declined participation, and so Smarter Balanced is required to replace these schools with comparable ones in order to meet the requirements of the sample plan. Smarter Balanced is still in the process of randomly selecting schools to participate in the Smarter Balanced Pilot Test (Scientific Sample) and ODE receives an updated list each two weeks of schools that have been picked as replacement schools.

ODE will contact district test coordinators from each of the districts that had schools selected as replacements for the scientific sample of the Pilot test via email. Districts that receive an email from ODE in regard to being selected to participate in the scientific sample of the pilot tes ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Pilot Test (Scientific Sample) Update

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:55:00 GMT

The Scientific Sample Pilot testing will take place between February 20 and May 10, 2013. Tests at different grade levels and content areas will be available during different specific testing windows within this broader window and this will determine when each school will administer the pilot. Each school will be assigned a specific testing window.

Grades 3-11 will be assessed in the content areas of English language arts/literacy and mathematics. Schools will be assigned one or two grades to administer either an ELA or mathematics assessment in each designated grade.

The assessment is computer based and will feature the new selected-response and performance task item types. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium's website is an excellent resource to learn more about the item types and content specifications: www.smarterbalanced.org. Most testing times will range anywhere from 2 t ...MORE

Adoption of the Instructional Materials Criteria for CCSS English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy and English Language Proficiency/Development (ELP/D)

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:05:00 GMT
On January 25, 2013 the State Board of Education adopted the criteria for the above subjects. Listed are the adopted criteria.

CCSS English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy - Cat 1-3

English Language Proficiency/Development (ELP/D) - Cat 4

Smarter Balanced Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:16:00 GMT

The Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines for the Smarter Balanced Pilot Tests are now posted to the Smarter Balanced portal. They are under “Additional Resources” on the Resources and Documentation page:

http://sbac.portal.airast.org/Pilot_Test/resources.html?pilot#additional

Teacher Nominations for Common Core State Standards 2013: English Language Arts & Literacy and English Language Proficiency/Development Instructional Materials Evaluators

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 19:13:00 GMT
The Oregon Department of Education is looking for nominations of teachers, curriculum specialists and others who have interest and expertise in Common Core State Standards (CCSS) English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy
and English Language Proficiency/Development (ELP/D) to participate in the evaluation of instructional materials. This includes reimbursed travel and stipend.

Monday, July 29 to Sunday, August 4, 2013
8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Western Oregon University campus
Monmouth, OR

NOMINATION FORM (to be completed by a superintendent or principal)

NOMINEE INFORMATION FORM (to be completed if you have been recommended by your superintendent or principal)

(you may not nominate yourself)

2013 Oregon Circular of Information Announcing the upcoming Adoption of Instructional Materials and "Call for Bids"

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 07:00:00 GMT
The document provided below is the Circular of Information announcing the upcoming adoption of instructional materials for Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy and
English Language Proficiency/Development (ELP/D) in Oregon.

Questions regarding proposals, evaluation, and adoption of instructional materials should be directed to the staff listed below.

2013 Circular of Information
PDF

Publisher Notice # 1 (a step-by-step process for req ...MORE

November-December 2012 ELA Teacher Update is now posted!

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:07:00 GMT
The November/December 2012 English Language Arts Teacher Update is now posted! The ELA Teacher Update is a monthly e-newsletter that provides teachers and other educators with information about professional development opportunities, teacher and student competitions and awards, and lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. Distributed by listserv, the current issue and past issues are posted here. To learn about subscribing to the English Language Arts Teacher Update, please visit the Content Area Teacher Newsletters web page.

Smarter Balanced Update on Assessment Report Design

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:06:00 GMT

The Oregon Department of Education would like to share the following update from Smarter Balanced regarding a progress update about the data reports that will be developed for the assessment.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
WestEd - Project Management Partner
www.smarterbalanced.org

Dear Smarter Balanced K-12 State Leads:

We are excited to announce the posting of a Progress Update from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Reporting Work Group and Wireless Generation (Reporting Development contractor for Smarter Balanced).

The Progress Update serves as a brief introduction to the key concepts and methodology being used to drive the development of stakeholder-focused reporting of assessment results. In addition, the document provides preliminary findings about some of the reporting system's primary user groups and their priorities, as well as a sample us ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Pilot Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Available

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:49:00 GMT

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter) will administer a pilot of the Smarter assessments from February 20 - May 10, 2013. As the start of the Pilot approaches, many districts from across the consortium have submitted questions to Smarter. To help address these questions, Smarter has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document .

As Smarter continues to develop training materials and other resources to help districts prepare for the Pilot, ODE will provide additional information to the field. Please continue to submit any questions your district may have about the Pilot to SmarterBalancedHelpDesk@air.org .

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Update - December 13, 2012

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:50:00 GMT

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium will be working with schools from partner states around the country to pilot test items this spring. Smarter Balanced will be conducting both a scientific pilot and a broader, non-scientific pilot. The Oregon schools which will participate in the scientific pilot have been identified and were notified by ODE in late November. Selected schools will also be contacted by the American Institutes of Research’s (AIR) recruiting partner, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), between early December 2012 and January 2013 to be formally invited to participate in the pilot test.

The schools, approximately 10% in each state, were selected based on predetermined demographic criteria, to ensure that the pilot items are administered to a representative sample of students. These schools will provide critical data about the items developed to date as well as about how the system is functioning.

While the schools participating in the scientific pilo ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Update

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:06:00 GMT

The scientific sample of schools to participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter) Pilot test in Oregon have been identified, and schools that were selected to participate will be notified by ODE on November 30, 2012 via email (School Principal and District Test Coordinator). The “Scientific” component will impact a representative sample of schools and will provide critical data about the items developed to date as well as about how the system is functioning. Schools (approximately 10% in each state) will be selected to participate in this scientific pilot based on predetermined demographic criteria, to ensure that the pilot items are administered to a representative sample of students. Selected schools will also be contacted by the American Institutes for Research’s (AIR) recruiting partner, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), between early December 2012 and January 2013 to be invited to participate in the scientific component of the Pilot Test.

All schools that are ...MORE

Smarter Balanced Draft Initial Achievement Level Descriptors Released for Public Review

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:00:00 GMT

The Consortium released draft initial achievement level descriptors (ALDs) for feedback and review through January 15, 2013. The initial ALDs describe levels of student performance in English language arts/literacy and mathematics on the Smarter Balanced assessments. Smarter Balanced has also released a college content-readiness definition with associated implications for 12th grade and postsecondary coursework at each achievement level on the 11th grade assessment. The ALDs, college content-readiness definition documents can be accessed at http://www.smarterbalanced.org/achievement-level-descriptors-and-college-readiness/. Feedback on the documents can also be submitted through an online survey at the same web page site.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Participation

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:57:00 GMT

In spring 2013, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter) will conduct a pilot of the Smarter mathematics and English language arts assessments with students in grades 3 - 11. The attached flyer contains an overview of the pilot and information about the testing window. Within the coming days, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) will be in contact with Oregon schools selected to participate in the scientific sample of the pilot. Schools that are not recruited for this scientific sample may still volunteer to participate in the pilot using non-secure test items.

To ensure that all Oregon schools understand the purpose and process for the Smarter pilot, ODE encourages you to forward the attached flyer to district and school personnel to inform them of what to expect regarding the pilot and to encourage schools to volunteer to par ...MORE

ODE News English Language Arts

March/April 2013 ELA Teacher Update is now posted!

Oregon Publisher Briefing WebEx for CCSS ELA/L and ELP/D 2013

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Updates

Technology Clarification to the Field

2013 Oregon Process Web Conference Meeting - Friday, February 15, 2013

Publisher Notice # 2 - 2013 Oregon State Adoption Process for Instructional Materials CCSS English Language Arts & Literacy and English Lang Proficiency/Development

Revised Smarter Balanced Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs)

February 2013 Social Sciences Teacher Update Released

Smarter Balanced Pilot Test (Scientific Sample) Replacement Schools

Smarter Balanced Pilot Test (Scientific Sample) Update

Adoption of the Instructional Materials Criteria for CCSS English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy and English Language Proficiency/Development (ELP/D)

Smarter Balanced Accessibility and Accommodation Guidelines

Teacher Nominations for Common Core State Standards 2013: English Language Arts & Literacy and English Language Proficiency/Development Instructional Materials Evaluators

2013 Oregon Circular of Information Announcing the upcoming Adoption of Instructional Materials and "Call for Bids"

November-December 2012 ELA Teacher Update is now posted!

Smarter Balanced Update on Assessment Report Design

Smarter Balanced Pilot Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Available

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Update - December 13, 2012

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Update

Smarter Balanced Draft Initial Achievement Level Descriptors Released for Public Review

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Pilot Test Participation