Title: On The Way to Success on the MSA James Ryder Randall
1On The Way to Success on the MSA James Ryder
Randall
2Maryland School Assessments
- Federally Required Exams for Grades 3-8
- The MSA scores show how well students mastered
required grade level reading, mathematics, and
science skills. In addition, the MSA measures our
whether or not we maintain an attendance rate of
95 or better. - Those students receiving modifications/
accommodations according to their IEP, ELL, or
504 will receive those services during the test
by school staff.
3Maryland School Assessment
- MOD-MSA will be given to the IEP candidates that
meet the requirements. - ESOL students attending school for their first
year in the United States might not have to take
the reading test but will be required to take the
math test. - Performance levels are basic, proficient and
advanced. - Results arrive to schools during the spring of
2010 and are mailed to parents during the fall.
4Types of MSA Question
- SR Selected Response
- BCR Brief Constructed Response
- ECR Extended Constructed Response
5SR (Selected Response)
- Multiple-choice questions
- Select the best response
- Four answer choices
- Approximately 1 minute to complete each questions.
6What will a sample question may look like?
- SR Short Response
- Which of these is the value of the underlined
digit? - 374055
- A. 4 102
- B. 400
- C. 6000 - 200
- D. 4 103
- Look at the word with the underlined letters. The
underlined letters stand for a sound. Decide
which of the other three words has the same sound
in it. Then mark the space for the answer you
have chosen.
castle - quart
- manner
- palm
7BCR (Brief Constructed Response)
- 5-7 minutes to complete
- Clear and concise language, simple vocabulary and
sentence structure - For reading BCRs, comprehension of the text is
required. - For math BCRs can use words, numbers and/or
symbols to explain their answer.
8Maryland School AssessmentSample BCR -
Elementary
- Lisa has 11 dimes. She buys a bottle of juice
for 1.08. How much money will she get back?
(1 point) - Explain how you know your answer is correct. Use
words and numbers in your explanation. (
2pts) - Read the story 'Saved by a Fly' and answer the
following question. What lesson could someone
learn from this story? Use details from the story
to support your answer. (3 pts)
9ECR (Extended Constructed Response)
- MATH portion only
- Complete answer only in given box
- Eight (8) lines for ECRs Grades 5-8.
- Shorter written responses which may require
students to - Show work/explain processes
- Explain reasoning
- Complete graph
- Perform geometric construction
- Develop geometric proof
- Students may also use numbers, words or symbols
to explain his/her answer
10Allowable Tools on the MSA(Provided By The
School)
- Grades 3-8 Calculators
- Grades 3-8 Rulers
- Grades 5-8 Protractors
- Grades 3-8 Scrap paper
- No. 2 pencils
11 Maryland School Assessments Did you
know?
- The Testing Window for the Maryland School
Assessment is March 8 23 for Reading and Math
and April 21 May 11 for Science (5th Grade
Only). - Students will use two days to complete the math
sections, two days to complete the reading
sections, and two days to complete the science
sections. - Assessments will last at least two and a half
hours each day.
12What type of learner are you?
- If you are an Auditory learner, try to study
orally. Say the information out loud to
yourself. - If you are a visual learner, make a diagram or
outline. - If you are kinesthetic, make the learning more
active by copying and recopying your notes.
13Where do you study?
- Find a location and or room that has plenty of
sunlight - Very little background noise and other activities
- Plan frequent breaks
- Dont study too long
- Stay on task
14Tips for objective Tests
- Carefully read all the instructions on the test
booklet - Some questions ask for the best answer
- Read each question carefully to make sure that
you understand the type of answer required - Read all the choices before you decide on an
answer
15Tips continued
- Look for qualifiers in the sentences.
- What are qualifiers?
- Qualifiers are words such as all, most, some,
no, never, least, always, equal, maximum,
greatest, not, less, mainly, highly, lowest,
most, nearly, best, smallest, etc.
16Test support
- Circle or underling key words in questions
- Use logic to answer difficult questions
- Answer every question
- Review your work
- Be slow to change an answer
- Write legibly
- If you make a mistake, erase completely
17Final Testing Tips
- Get a good nights rest before the test and have
a healthy breakfast - Dress comfortably
- Try to sit away from potential distraction
- Pay attention to the teacher and follow
directions - Do your personal best!!!!!!
- Think positively
18Additional tips for student success
- Read Carefully
- Write down any tips/information you remember down
onto your scrap paper - Listen at all directions
- Read and re-read directions
- Choose the best answer
- Revisit the text
- Do the easy questions first and leave the harder
ones last - Dont take too much time on any one question
- Stay focused
- Proofread your answers
- Stay in the box when answering your BCRs
- Write Neatly
- Make sure answer can be read
- Use numbers, words, and or symbols on the Math
BCR - Respond to the question
- Underline key information in the book.
- Maximize the use of scratch paper and calculators.
19How parents can help
- Make sure students arrive on time and attend
school daily. - Make sure students are well rested.
- Provide a healthy breakfast.
- Mark down test days on your calendar.
- Review homework assignments with child.
- Attend parent conferences and solicit academic
strategies from teacher/resource people. - Incorporate daily reading time with child at home
will increase vocabulary, comprehension, and
reading speed. - Incorporate daily math/science time with child at
home will increase computation, problem solving,
and critical thinking skills.
20Sample Test Items are on the MSDE Website
- www.mdk12.org
- http//www1.pgcps.org/jamesryderrandall/
- http//www.marylandpublicschools.org