Curriculum Resources
As districts begin the 2015-2016 school
year, teachers will want to continue focusing instruction on the Ohio Learning Standards.
Instruction should focus on the critical areas and essential content of the
grade level or course. Some resources to help guide teachers through this
process are:
If educators are looking for opportunities to familiarize
themselves with the AIR testing platform and item types they can explore the Ohio Computer Based Test Portal.
The platform currently contains examples for Science and Social Studies. ODE is
in the process of developing materials for the new Math and ELA tests and will have these materials published along with more information on the new state
tests in the coming months.
Calculator Usage on
State Mathematics Tests
The department has prepared two calculator policy documents (one
for high school and one for grades 6-8) to assist educators and parents whose
students wish to select calculators they can use while taking state tests in
mathematics.
Calculators
are important instructional tools that are allowable - but not required - for
students to use while taking state tests. For students taking the
computer-based tests, a calculator will be provided in the technology platform
for the test. Students may use handheld calculators for either the
computer-based or paper-based test formats and schools may permit them to bring
their own handheld devices to school for test purposes.
In each guidance document, you will find recommendations for
calculators as well as prohibited calculator functions and features. Each document also provides
information for students with disabilities who have accommodations related to
calculator use as part of their individualized education programs or Section
504 plans.
Further guidance on calculator usage:
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For an overview of the test development process, see this road map illustration.
Educators statewide have volunteered to participate on content advisory
committees to develop Ohio’s 2015-2016 state tests. Their work will be
guided by previous efforts of educators who have devoted countless hours
to the development of a new generation of tests. |
Review of Math and ELA Test Items for
2015-2016 Ohio’s State Tests Underway
Review of English language arts and mathematics test items for 2015-2016
Ohio’s State Tests started Aug. 18. Over 1,400 Ohio teachers and
content specialists applied to serve on the content advisory committees
for English language arts and mathematics. About 250 Ohio educators were
selected to review and validate items for use in Ohio English language
arts and mathematics tests. Every test has a content advisory committee.
The purpose is to review and evaluate test questions and related test
materials to make sure that each selected question is a valid and
appropriate measure of Ohio Learning Standards for that particular
subject area and grade level.
Coming Soon:
All Call for Standards Setting and Rangefinding
An All-Call for applications to serve on the Mathematics Standards Setting and Rangefinding committees. Standards Setting will meet only one-time in December 2015. The Rangefinding committee will meet for the first time in late spring 2016. Further information will be coming soon.
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