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11/16/2017 0 Comments

OASIS Updates - Nov 2017

By Helena Li

ISP: Small Group Instruction courses now automatically import into WPRs

Description:
When ISP teachers hold small group classes now, principals will be able to create a course for it so that you can enter attendance and grades just like a site-based class and import into WPRs.

Why this matters:
Previously, any small group instruction grades and attendance would have to be entered separately into WPRs, which took much longer than if you could just import them. You are now free to hold SGI classes with minimal paperwork!

What does it look like?

The course will be created for teacher's Course List (Ex: Math Foundations).

Students will be added and course will show up just like a site-based course.

Teacher creates assignments and enters grades.

Gradebook automatically calculates grades.

Teacher will post final grades and units.

Assignments, grades, and units populate into WPR automatically.

Deficient credits total now shows on transcript

Description:
On the Required Units table, the total number of deficient credits now shows on the bottom right. Though the total will be correct 99% of the time, please pay attention to how the RJ credits are fulfilled. Most students fulfill it within Advanced English, but a few students may come to us with Advanced English done, in which case they may need additional RJ credits that the total doesn’t account for. RJ credits could also be fulfilled through 5 Keys Electives, Voc. Electives, or General English. Depending on how you have the student fulfill the RJ requirement, you may need to add additional units to the total number.

Why this matters:
Previously, teachers had to manually add up the deficient credits from the different areas to get the total credits needed. This is an oft-used number, so it saves a lot of time for teachers/students and you only need to double check the RJ part.

What does it look like?

Transcript tables are now labeled with year or type

Description:
On the Required Units table, the top of the chart will say the name of that transcript table (ex: 2016, 2012, AGR).

Why this matters:
This label will quickly tell us if the transcript table needs to be updated to the current 2016 graduation table that all students should be on (exceptions include students with reduced credits or students who had been continuously enrolled since a previous graduation table and are grandfathered). Any new or returning students should be on the 2016 table, or else their graduation credits may not be accurate. If you see that a returning student is not on this table, email Ruby (rubyg@fivekeyscharter.org) to get it updated.

What does it look like?

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11/13/2017 0 Comments

10 things to know about the new state academic test - yes, it now applies to us!

By Gabriela Farias & Helena Li

1. What is this new test?
The current state academic test is called CAASPP (California’s Assessment of Student Performance and Progress), which came into effect January 1, 2014 and replaced its predecessor, the STAR program. Technically, it’s not brand new, but due to our position as an alternative school that serves highly transitory and unique populations of students, we were exempt but have now been mandated to administer this test to our students. The good news is that it does not apply to most of our students (details later). The test is computer-based and encompasses assessments in multiple content areas, with its results meant to help educators monitor student learning and prepare students for college and career. CAASPP is part of a larger educational program called the Smarter Balanced Assessments System, which includes interim assessments, Smarter Balanced Digital Library, & summative assessments (CAASPP).

2. What content areas are covered?
English-language arts, mathematics, and science will be on the CAASPP.

3. When will these assessments happen? Who is required to test?
The testing window will occur from April 9th to May 25th. During this time, an email will be sent out with a list of students required to be tested. Only students aged 16-19 enrolled with us 60 days or more are required to test. Whew.

4. What does the test consist of?
The test is computer-adaptive, which means that it adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on student responses. The test also includes a range of test questions well beyond the traditional multiple choice questions; such as write short responses, complete a data table, draw a graph, and more extensive multiple-part questions called performance tasks.

Here are some sample questions if you’re curious (pages 13-38): https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/sbparentgde11.pdf

5. What are performance tasks?
A performance task consists of extended activities that measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards—a key component of college and career readiness. Another way to think about a performance tasks is to think of it as a multi-step problem.

6. Where can I find teacher resources for CAASPP?
The Smarter Balanced Digital Library is a free, online repository of resources designed to help support educators in formative assessment practices. All California educators can self-register for access to the Digital Library. Register at https://sbdigitallibrary.org/

7. Can I try out the formative assessments with my students now?
If you would like to volunteer to pilot Interim Assessments, please contact your Principal. The interim assessments are optional tests that measure what students know and can do using the Common Core State Standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

8. Will there be accommodations or modifications for my students with IEPs?
Students with disabilities will be given access to their accommodations or modifications once they begin testing.

9. When will results arrive for my students?
June or July 2018

10. What trainings will teachers receive on the CAASPP system?
In the next several months, there will be a series of workshops for teachers about the CAASPP system. The future professional developments will also include workshops on how to cover content for the CAASPP. If you’d like to begin familiarizing yourself about CAASPP, you can visit their website http://www.caaspp.org

Check out the previous blog post by Steve Good for more information about CAASPP and our school's accountability.

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