Would you look at that...the end of the year is just around the corner. How’re you doing? Getting excited about the end of the school year or do you feel like you’re about to be hit by a truck? The SnapShot team is made up of a lot of former educators and teachers. We know what a crazy time of year it is. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help or if you just want to rant. We don’t mind. Contact us at training@studentperformance.com. We really want to help if we can.
This month’s bulletin will be short but sweet. We’ll give you an update on loading this year’s FCAT scores into SnapShot, some tips on using benchmarks and give you the cut scores for the new FCAT Writing +.
Now that the FCAT testing is done we’re sure that you’re itching to get your hands on the results. We also know that it’s a busy time for everyone so we’d like to offer a way to lighten your load and let you see your scores as soon as possible.
MIS now have the option of forwarding copies of the FCAT CDs in the format they come from the state. If later MIS would like to send a copy of the district-edited 2007 FCAT scores, we would be able to load these scores on top of those previously submitted.
We would prefer to receive the scores as they become available and can keep track of what has been sent. For example, grade 3 FCAT scores are often available before grades 4 -10 FCAT scores. FCAT Writing + scores are often available earlier as well. We can send your MIS a reminder notice when the next group of tests is released.
Also, there is a new test element called “SSS FCAT Writing + Achievement Level”. The range of scores will be from 1 – 5 and the test is for grades 4, 8 and 10. The MIS Data Requirements document has been updated to reflect the new information.
Important note
As soon as SnapShot receives any of the FCAT and/or Stanford test scores, the default date in all graphs, reports and queries will be preset to the new 2007 test year. FCAT and Stanford test scores are released at different times and MIS supplies the scores to us as they become available. If you make a request for data that has not been updated, then you may receive a message that says “NO DATA: there is no data for the test and date you selected” or “Your query returned no students, please broaden your search”. You may contact your MIS to find out when the scores will be available and released to SnapShot.
If you have any questions concerning this please contact Debbie at debbie@studentperformance.com.
When looking at subtest data in Reading, Math, and Science, do you ever wonder what the measure means? Looking at the content focus of each subscore area is a great way to understand this data. On the Help page in SnapShot you'll find documents that are a compilation of the FLDOE’s content focus release for 2004 – 2007. These have been updated to allow you to look at what was tested so that you can properly analyze curriculum. You can see what has been tested over the past four years using these documents.
Example:
After analyzing your school data you determine that the weak area in Reading is Comparisons. Now, find the content focus of comparisons for the past four years at each grade level in your school and determine when these concepts are taught in your curriculum, how they are taught and how often they are reinforced. This can be done by analyzing lesson plans along with teachers and looking at curriculum materials. When looking at curriculum materials you may also wish to consider the cognitive complexity of your curriculum.
Scores for grade 3 and Writing will be coming this month. This year will be the first time achievement level scores for Writing are available. You may want to have your district load those scores as soon as possible.
The Writing + scale score is made up of 50% Essay and 50% Multiple Choice.
The cut scores are:
| Grade | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 100-239 | 240-289 | 290-364 | 365-426 | 427-500 |
| 8 | 100-249 | 250-298 | 299-355 | 356-415 | 416-500 |
| 10 | 100-249 | 250-299 | 300-341 | 342-402 | 403-500 |
Source: www.fldoe.org
You can use SnapShot to access these scores once the data is loaded in your district.
Oh Spring Break, how I love you.
One whole week of nothing to do;
No school, waking up late in the morn,
No meetings, no marking, why can’t you be the norm?
Spring Break, Spring Break, you come with much joy and time to play;
Seriously, I’m thinking of spending my time off sleeping all day.
But Spring Break you make me shed many a tear.
Why can’t you happen more than once a year?
SP SnapShot™ is one of the resources approved for the use of Title 1 funding for educators because of its positive impact on student achievement. The purpose of Title 1 is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging State academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. For more information on Title 1 funding visit: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg1.html
Do you find yourself asking the following questions?
Call your Favorite SnapShot Representative 866-479-7627 and find out the answers to the above questions and how SnapShot can further benefit Title 1 educators.
Online and in-person training is always available if you need help using any of our features, or just want some tips and tricks to get the most out of SnapShot. For online training resources, go to www.studentperformance.com/training.html and check out www.studentperformance.com/using.html for tips on how to enhance your SnapShot experience. As always, individual, school or district training is available and can be booked by calling us at 1.866.479.7627
Privacy Policy
Suite 191-1809 E. Broadway St., Oviedo, Fl 32765 | Phone: 1-866-479-7627 | Fax: 1-250-658-5936
Email: michellegainer@studentperformance.com