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Prepare. Progress. Achieve.
The PCSS is committed to seeing students achieve and grow academically, providing them with what they need to succeed, as well as measuring their progress and performance. This commitment will allow our educators to see where students are growing and where improvements are needed to tailor to students' individual needs. The testing and assessment data improve our methods and better prepare our students for the future.
This section contains information for parents and students on grade-level assessments. The instruction taught meets Tennessee Department of Education Standards.
Testing FAQ
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Q: Where can I learn more about TCAP/TNReady and EOC (End Of Course) testing?
A: https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/testing-overview.html
Q: How long is the assessment?
A: https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/testing-times-by-grade-subject.html
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ACCESS for ELLs
The purpose of the ELLs is administered to English Learners to evaluate English proficiency.
English Learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs to determine language proficiency. ACCESS assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
What does this test consist of?
The test is self-paced with target administration times for each section of the test as follows:-
Listening: Up to 40 minutes
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Reading: Up to 35 minutes
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Speaking: Up to 30 minutes
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Writing Tier A: Up to 45 minutes
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Writing Tiers B/C: Up to 60 minutes
When is this test given?
Historically, February - April
Current PCSS Assessment Windows (Click Here)
How is this test given? Paper-Based Assessment
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DIBELS 8th Edition
Who we test: Grades K - 3 = DIBELS
How is test given: DIBELS = Online / Verbal (w/ Test Administrator)
What is DIBELS? DIBELS 8th Edition is a set of short (one minute) fluency measures that can be used for universal screening, benchmark assessment, and progress monitoring in Kindergarten to 8th grade. DIBELS 8th Edition provides educators with standards for gauging the progress of all students.
Source: https://dibels.uoregon.edu/dibels8
Learn about the DIBELS benchmark Goals.
Parent Resources:
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iReady
Who we test:
Grades K - 8 = iReady Math
Grades 4 - 8 = iReady ReadingHow is test given? iReady = Online
What is iReady?
The purpose of i-Ready is to provide personalized instruction and support the needs of all learners.The i-Ready Diagnostic is a test designed to help teachers support each student and create a path of personalized instruction for every learner. The adaptive test adjusts its questions to suit each student’s needs. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question.
For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions. Students will find the test difficult, but that is OK. Think of it like a vision test: the blurry letters and incorrect answers help the eye doctor find the correct glasses for you. The i-Ready Diagnostic gets harder until a student answers an item incorrectly and then narrows in on exactly where a student needs support.
Source: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/support/faq/i-ready
Parent Resources: iReady Family Center
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TCAP Grade 2 Alternate Assessment
The purpose of the TCAP Grade 2 Alternate assessment is the English language arts and math assessment for students in grade 2 with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
Length of Assessment: Students are given the assessment during class time throughout the window based on student needs and class schedules.
This is a paper-based assessment.
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TCAP: Grade 2 Assessment
The TCAP Grade 2 Alternate assessment is the English language arts and math assessment for students in grade 2 with the most significant cognitive disabilities. This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
Administration Window: Check PCSS District Calendar
How do students take this test? Paper-Based Assessment
When is it given?
Students are given the assessment during class time throughout the window based on student needs and class schedules.What is measured on this assessment? The Grade 2 assessment measures student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards in English Language Arts and mathematics.
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The English language arts (ELA) assessment uses an integrated format to measure student progress through literary and informational texts requiring students to demonstrate the ability to read closely, analyze text, answer text-dependent questions, provide a written response to a prompt, and demonstrate command of the English language. Additionally, it measures fluency, comprehension, and listening skills.
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The mathematics assessment will focus approximately 70 percent of the assessment items on major work of the grade and approximately 30 percent of the items on supporting and additional work. Student mastery of math fluency, ability to problem solve, and understanding of the grade-level standards will be assessed. Further, students will be assessed on their ability to connect topics across the grade-level domains.
Current PCSS Assessment Windows (Click Here) -
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TCAP: Grade 3-4 Assessment
The purpose of the TCAP tests are designed to assess true student understanding and not just basic memorization and test-taking skills. TCAP measures student understanding of our state standards.
When are tests given?
Current PCSS Assessment Windows (Click Here)How are students tested?
Grades 3 - 5 = Paper-Based testingResults to Parents / Students:
Raw data is provided to districts at the very end of school year. This information may be used to help calculate final grades for report cards. State law requires TCAP scores be included as a percentage of a student’s grade in grades 3–8. Districts do have the flexibility, as provided in state law, to exclude TCAP data from student grades if the data is not available at least five instructional days before the last day for students.Please see the link below to review the TCAP Grades 3-5 ELA Assessment Overview: https://www.tn.gov/content/
dam/tn/education/testing/ overviews/ELA_Grades_3-5_ Assessment_Overview_Upd07-01- 2022.pdf -
TCAP Alternative Assessment / MSSA
The purpose of these two assessments:
MSAA: The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is the English language arts and math assessment for students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
TCAP-Alt: TCAP-Alt is the assessment for science and social studies for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students are assessed in grades 3–8 for both science and social studies and in grade 10 for Biology.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
Length of Assessment: Students are given the assessment during class time throughout the window based on student needs and class schedules.
Administration Window: Historically: March - May
Format:
MSAA is administered online by the teacher.
TCAP-Alt is administered via paper by the teacher.
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ACCESS for ELLs
The purpose of the ELLs is administered to English Learners to evaluate English proficiency.
English Learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs to determine language proficiency. ACCESS assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
What does this test consist of?
The test is self-paced with target administration times for each section of the test as follows:-
Listening: Up to 40 minutes
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Reading: Up to 35 minutes
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Speaking: Up to 30 minutes
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Writing Tier A: Up to 45 minutes
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Writing Tiers B/C: Up to 60 minutes
When is this test given?
Historically, February - April
Current PCSS Assessment Windows (Click Here)
How is this test given? Paper-Based Assessment
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Benchmark Assessments
Purpose: PCSS benchmark assessments are used throughout the school year to check students’ mastery of academic standards. Our benchmark assessments are TNReady aligned and provide valuable data that informs instruction. Benchmark assessments also assist with instructional unit alignment (across grade levels and schools).
Length of Assessment: Varied
Administration Window:
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CERT (If Applicable to your Middle Schooler)
Log in to Cert to begin practicing! https://certforschools.com/
The Purpose of CERT, the College Equipped Readiness Tool: An online assessment tool that provides administrators, teachers, parents, and students with the information they need to maximize career and college opportunities for students.
Source: https://certforschools.com/about
PCSS CERT provides valuable assessment data (for students, parents and teachers to use in preparing for the ACT).
Length of Assessment: Varied Format: Online
Results to Parents / Students:
Performance data is provided for three levels of the Career and College Readiness Standards.
Performance data provided is by subject area (English, Mathematics, Reading, or Science)
Established Proficiency Scores (“At Benchmark” Performance):
5th Grade / 6th Grade / 7th Grade / 8th Grade
English = 13
Math = 17
Reading = 16
Science = 18
Composite = 16
9th Grade
English = 15
Math = 19
Reading = 20
Science = 21
Composite = Not Given
10th Grade / 11th Grade / 12th Grade
English = 18
Math = 22
Reading = 22
Science = 23
Composite = 21
Parent Resources / Additional Information:
CERT (FAQ): https://certforschools.com/faq
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iReady
Who we test:
Grades K - 8 = iReady Math
Grades 4 - 8 = iReady ReadingHow is test given? iReady = Online
What is iReady?
The purpose of i-Ready is to provide personalized instruction and support the needs of all learners.The i-Ready Diagnostic is a test designed to help teachers support each student and create a path of personalized instruction for every learner. The adaptive test adjusts its questions to suit each student’s needs. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question.
For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions. Students will find the test difficult, but that is OK. Think of it like a vision test: the blurry letters and incorrect answers help the eye doctor find the correct glasses for you. The i-Ready Diagnostic gets harder until a student answers an item incorrectly and then narrows in on exactly where a student needs support.
Source: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/support/faq/i-ready
Parent Resources: iReady Family Center
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NWEA: MAP
You may hear the phrase "MAP score." MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress and is at select Putnam County schools. MAP is under the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA).
Purpose: NWEA assessments provide valuable data to help inform instruction. Performance data is also used to identify potential areas of needed improvement (or enrichment) in math, reading and (or) language arts.
Length of Assessment: Self-Paced Assessment
Administration Window: Historically: (Fall Window Begins: 4th Instructional Week / Winter Window Begins: 20th Instructional Week / Spring Window Begins: 32nd Instructional Week)
Results to Parents / Students: Assessment results provided by each participating school / teacher.
Parent Resources / Additional Information:
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TCAP: Grades 5-8 Assessment
The purpose of the TCAP tests are designed to assess true student understanding and not just basic memorization and test-taking skills. TCAP measures student understanding of our state standards.
When are tests given?
Current PCSS Assessment Windows (Click Here)How are students tested?
Grades 3 - 5 = Paper-Based testing
Grades 6 - 8 = Online (Beginning Spring 2023)Results to Parents / Students:
Raw data is provided to districts at the very end of school year. This information may be used to help calculate final grades for report cards. State law requires TCAP scores be included as a percentage of a student’s grade in grades 3–8. Districts do have the flexibility, as provided in state law, to exclude TCAP data from student grades if the data is not available at least five instructional days before the last day for students.Please see the link below to review the TCAP Grades 3-5 ELA Assessment Overview: https://www.tn.gov/content/
dam/tn/education/testing/ overviews/ELA_Grades_3-5_ Assessment_Overview_Upd07-01- 2022.pdf -
TCAP Alternative Assessment / MSSA
The purpose of these two assessments:
MSAA: The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is the English language arts and math assessment for students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
TCAP-Alt: TCAP-Alt is the assessment for science and social studies for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students are assessed in grades 3–8 for both science and social studies and in grade 10 for Biology.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
Length of Assessment: Students are given the assessment during class time throughout the window based on student needs and class schedules.
Administration Window: Historically: March - May
Format:
MSAA is administered online by the teacher.
TCAP-Alt is administered via paper by the teacher.
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AP Exams
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ACCESS for ELLs
The purpose of the ELLs is administered to English Learners to evaluate English proficiency.
English Learners will take the ACCESS for ELLs to determine language proficiency. ACCESS assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
What does this test consist of?
The test is self-paced with target administration times for each section of the test as follows:-
Listening: Up to 40 minutes
-
Reading: Up to 35 minutes
-
Speaking: Up to 30 minutes
-
Writing Tier A: Up to 45 minutes
-
Writing Tiers B/C: Up to 60 minutes
When is this test given?
Historically, February - April
How is this test given? Paper-Based Assessment
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ACT
What does the ACT consist of?
English: 45 minutes (Approximately)
Math: 60 minutes (Approximately)
Reading: 35 minutes (Approximately)
Science: 35 minutes (Approximately)
Administration Window:
Recurring Senior Retakes: October (Tentative)Recurring 11th Grade ACT Window: March (Tentative)
Spring 2023 Assessment Window
11th Grade: March 21-23 and March 28-30, 2023
Note: Specific test dates determined by each high school.
How is the ACT taken? Online (Beginning Spring 2023)
Parent Resources / Additional Information:
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Benchmark Assessments
Purpose: PCSS benchmark assessments are used throughout the school year to check students’ mastery of academic standards. Our benchmark assessments are TNReady aligned and provide valuable data that informs instruction. Benchmark assessments also assist with instructional unit alignment (across grade levels and schools).
Length of Assessment: Varied
Administration Window:
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CERT
Log in to Cert to begin practicing! https://certforschools.com/
The Purpose of CERT, the College Equipped Readiness Tool: An online assessment tool that provides administrators, teachers, parents, and students with the information they need to maximize career and college opportunities for students.
Source: https://certforschools.com/about
PCSS CERT provides valuable assessment data (for students, parents and teachers to use in preparing for the ACT).
Length of Assessment: Varied Format: Online
Results to Parents / Students:
Performance data is provided for three levels of the Career and College Readiness Standards.
Performance data provided is by subject area (English, Mathematics, Reading, or Science)
Established Proficiency Scores (“At Benchmark” Performance):
5th Grade / 6th Grade / 7th Grade / 8th Grade
English = 13
Math = 17
Reading = 16
Science = 18
Composite = 16
9th Grade
English = 15
Math = 19
Reading = 20
Science = 21
Composite = Not Given
10th Grade / 11th Grade / 12th Grade
English = 18
Math = 22
Reading = 22
Science = 23
Composite = 21
Parent Resources / Additional Information:
CERT (FAQ): https://certforschools.com/faq
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EOC: 9-12 Assessments
What is the TCAP EOC (End of Course) Assessment? EOC tests are designed to assess true student understanding and not just basic memorization and test-taking skills. TCAP measures student understanding of our state standards. TCAP EOC assessments are given to help measure how much a student grows academically in a particular content area.
Purpose: Each subject-area test is divided into multiple subparts and will be administered during one testing window at the end of the course.
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English I and English II (4 subparts) assess the Tennessee Academic Standards through literary and informational texts requiring students to demonstrate the ability to read closely, analyze text, answer text-dependent questions, provide a written response to a prompt, and demonstrate command of the English language.
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Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II and Integrated Math III (3 subparts) will consist of both calculator permitted and calculator prohibited subparts. Each assesses the Tennessee Academic Standards requiring students to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics, fluency, problem solving, and an understanding of the grade-level horizontal coherence embedded within the standards. The mathematics test will focus approximately 60 percent of the assessment items on major work of the grade and approximately 40 percent of the items on supporting work.
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Biology will assess current Tennessee Academic Standards requiring students to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific inquiry, engineering and technology as related to the scientific concepts in the course.
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U.S. History and Geography (2 subparts) will consist of multiple choice and multiple select items. Students will be assessed on the current Tennessee Academic Standards and be required to demonstrate a deep understanding of civics, economics, geography, and Tennessee connections within the context of U.S. History.
When does EOC testing take place?
Fall (EOC): Administered to those students enrolled in “semester long” qualifying courses.Spring (EOC): TBD
Format:
Results to Parents / Students:
Raw data is provided to districts at the very end of the school year (districts will receive fall block data at the very end of the first semester). This information may be used to help calculate final grades for report cards.State board policy requires TCAP scores be included as a percentage of a high school student's end-of-course grades. Districts do have the flexibility, as provided in policy, to exclude TCAP data from student grades if the data is not available at least five instructional days before the last day for students.
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NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. Assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, U.S. history, and in Technology and Engineering Literacy (TEL). In 2017, NAEP began administering digitally based assessments (DBA) for mathematics, reading, and writing, with additional subjects to be added in 2018 and 2019. Only a small sample of Tennessee fourth, eighth, and twelfth graders will take this test. The representative sample group is chosen by NAEP each year. NAEP alternates sample sizes every other year, with even-year assessments being a national sample, and odd-year assessments being state samples.
NAEP assessments are administered uniformly using the same sets of test booklets across the nation. NAEP results serve as a common metric for all states and selected urban districts. The assessment stays essentially the same from year to year, with only carefully documented changes. This permits NAEP to provide a clear picture of student academic progress over time. In even-numbered years, NAEP measures Tennessee student’s academic achievement against students in other states also taking this test.
https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/testing-overview.html
Length of Assessment: 60–90 minutes
Administration Window: Historically: January - March
Results to Parents / Students: Student-level results are not provided.
Parent Resources / Additional Information:
Administered in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, which requires the state to participate in the biennial state academic assessments of fourth and eighth grade reading and mathematics. Districts that receive Title I funds are required to participate.
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TCAP Alternative Assessment / MSSA
The purpose of these two assessments:
MSAA: The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is the English language arts and math assessment for students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
TCAP-Alt: TCAP-Alt is the assessment for science and social studies for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students are assessed in grades 3–8 for both science and social studies and in grade 10 for Biology.
This test is given to help measure how much a student grows academically over the course of a school year.
Length of Assessment: Students are given the assessment during class time throughout the window based on student needs and class schedules.
Administration Window: Historically: March - May
Format:
MSAA is administered online by the teacher.
TCAP-Alt is administered via paper by the teacher.
Contact the Data & Testing Team
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Jason Stickler
ESSER / Data and Testing Supervisor
931-526-9777, ext. 1449
Email Jason Stickler
Meghan Deason
Secretary
Email Meghan
(931) 526-9777 ext. 14442022-23 Testing Coordinators:AES - Beth GawAMS - Ben HerronATMS - Mel PresleyBPS - Lacy LogginsBURKS - Diana CookCCE - Angela WebbCES - Kenda HillisCSES - Tracy Stockton- BurnettCHS - Karen TrenthamJWES - Kathy KoughanMHS - Ben NovakNES - Sara HarvickUHS - Breeonna WheelerUMS - Leslie HerronPVES - Casey GarrisonPSMS - Stephanie HudsonSES - Deborah RobbinsVITAL - Becky White / Whitney UptonWPA - Margaret Copeland