Do PARCC Reading Passages Exceed Tested Grade Levels?

I was looking at the math paper and pencil 6th grade PBA practice test and noticed something interesting. One of the questions has a number line and three algebraic equations and the student is to determine which number line choice represents the equations. The problem is one of the equations is g = – g, and g is supposed to be 0. Zero is neither positive or negative, as it is the dividing line between positive and negative. How can there be a – 0?

Please edit the agreement error in your report: “average STUDENT” = singular; “result that is not reflective of THEIR true knowledge” = plural pronoun. This, by the way, is in the THIRD grade Language strand for English Language Arts in the Common Core State Standards. 😉 😉

Please note: LEXILE MEASURES do not tell the whole story with reading levels. As an educator who has served on state assessment committees, I can tell you that PARCC has an extensive review process (in which educators determine if a passage is grade level appropriate and free of bias or sensitivity issues). While Pearson is responsible for creating the finished product, there are many steps along the way that involve professional educators. Shouldn’t their expertise should be valued?

Thank you for assuming that I hadn’t read that information already.

I always find it interesting when people aren’t willing to post their real name in these type of “expert” comments, too, so that their own personal bias is unable to be verified.

Your link does give me an idea for a future post about how Pearson has created a “new” reading analysis method — the Reading Maturity Metric — to use to align the reading passages to the CCSS and the new Pearson-created assessments. That’s a fantastic and purely objective idea.

I also particularly like page 14 of the linked document where it states “PUT IN LINK TO BIAS AND SENSITIVITY GUIDELINES”. I wonder when those guidelines will actually be linked by Pearson?

Agreed. Just because Pearson says it employs a lot of educators doesn’t mean the process is legit. Many of my colleagues have served on state assessment committees and tell a different story.

I have a question…why are IEP students being made to take these tests? My son has comprehension issues, and these tests just really brought him down. He feels stupid and lost. He tries really hard. I just don’t know what the purpose of putting him through this serves.