Understanding the North Carolina EndofGrade Reading and Math

Understanding the North Carolina End-of-Grade Reading and Math Test Hertford Grammar School Presented by: Amy Woodard, Amy Parker Fourth Grade March 17, 2010 Revised from Ms. Casey Bunch

Achievement Level Ranges Reading EOG (scale scores) Level III Level IV Grade 3 < 330 331 -337 338 -349 > 350 Grade 4 < 334 335 -342 343 -353 > 354 Grade 5 < 340 341 -348 349 -360 > 361 A low Level III score at one grade is actually a Level II score at the following grade.

Key Features of the Reading Test l l Students read selections and answer related questions to assess reading and vocabulary skills. The selections reflect a variety of actual reading done by students in and out of the classroom, including: l Fiction, poetry, biography, letters, journals, essays, pamphlets, reviews, recipes, how-to articles, and content area informational texts

Features (continued) l l Each test has 8 selections and 58 questions. The estimated time for students at grades 35 to complete the reading comprehension test is 140 minutes. This is a “timed” test. There are two 3 minute stretch breaks. There are four categories of test items: l Cognition, Interpretation, Critical stance, and Connections

Understanding the Categories l Cognition – approximately 18 questions l l Using context clues to determine meaning Summarizing to include main points Identifying the purpose of text features (bold print, italicized words, captions) Interpretation – approximately 19 questions l l Making inferences and generalizations Clarifying Explaining the significance of ideas/concepts Extending or adapting ideas/concepts

Categories (continued) l Critical Stance – approximately 10 questions l l l Comparing/contrasting Understanding the impact of literary elements Connections – approximately 3 questions l Connecting knowledge from the selection with other information and experiences beyond/outside the selection

How can I help my child with Reading? l l l Establish time for your child to read. Provide your child with a variety of reading material. Read aloud to and with your child. Take time to discuss interesting books you and your child have read. Model reading by reading a variety of materials yourself (newspapers, magazines, schedules, books, recipes)

How can I help my child with Reading? l Discuss the purpose of different text types l l l Fiction, letters, newspaper articles, journals, etc. Share and discuss articles, diagrams, charts, illustrations, and maps with your child. Ask your child open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a: l l Simple word, single phrase, a single sentence Why? How do you know? Explain…Tell me about…Give me examples…

How can I help my child with Reading? l l l Ensure that your child reads independently each day at a comfortable reading level. Reading materials should not be too hard or too easy in terms of subject matter and content. Encourage your child to read about his/her interests. Monitor their AR goals and testing. Sign the agenda book or reading log daily.

Achievement Level Ranges Math EOG (scale scores) Level III Level IV Grade 3 311 -328 329 -338 339 -351 352 -370 Grade 4 319 -335 336 -344 345 -357 358 -374 Grade 5 326 -340 341 -350 351 -362 363 -378 A low Level III score at one grade is actually a Level II score at the following grade.

Math Test l The competency goals and objectives of the mathematics curriculum adopted in 2003 by the North Carolina State Board of Education for each grade are organized into five strands.

Five Strands of Math for Fourth Grade l l l (1) Number and Operations (2) Measurement (3) Geometry (4) Data Analysis and Probability (5) Algebra

What is measured by the test? l l l Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of important principles and concepts and that relate math knowledge to everyday situation. There is substantial focus on processing information and higher-order thinking. Each item is related to one of the Fourth grade goals in the SCOS

Descriptive Information – 4 th Grade Math 1. Number and Operations The learner will read, write, 35 – 40 % model and compute with nonnegative rational numbers 2. Measurement TLW understand use perimeter and area. 10 – 12 % 3. Geometry TLW recognize and use geometric properties and relationships 10 – 12% 4. Data Analysis and TLW understand use probability graphs, probability, and data analysis. 15 – 18 % 5. Algebra 20 – 25% TLW demonstrate an understanding of mathematical relationships.

How is the test administered? l l Two Parts: Calculator Active (54 Questions) and Calculator Inactive (28 questions) Calculator active part is given first. Several colors of tests are distributed to vary the questions, but not to vary the difficulty. All tests are on the same level. Allotted testing times: l l Calculator Active 135 minutes Calculator Inactive 60 minutes

Reflections l l l What questions do you have at this time? Where do we go from here? EOG Dates: May 18 Reading May 19, 20 Math

l Thank you for taking the time to come and visit with us. We hope the information has been helpful and encouraging. We look forward to high scores on End of Grade Testing.