CTB/McGraw-Hill today announced the launch of TerraNova(TM) Common Core, Form 2.
With constructed-response and performance task items, Form 2 helps educators assess student knowledge and skills in two new subject areas - science and social studies - as well as in reading, English language arts, and mathematics, which are included in Form 1.
TerraNova Common Core, Form 2 runs parallel to Form 1, allowing school districts to flexibly administer assessments in a variety of content areas throughout the school year and easily compare student results across forms. Because all forms are built on the same vertical scale for each content area, districts using TerraNova Common Core will have the ability to track student growth as students advance from one grade level to the next.
TerraNova Common Core meets the guidelines of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, the two state-led consortia funded by the U.S. Department of Education to develop assessment tools to help states gauge student progress toward meeting the Common Core State Standards. Adopted at the state level beginning in 2010, the Common Core State Standards align K-12 instruction across the country with the goal of better preparing students for success in college and their careers.
Built on 2011 assessment norms, TerraNova Common Core offers a full range of item formats in one test, including multiple choice, constructed-response, extended-constructed response, and integrated performance tasks. The benefit of this unique "one test" approach is that educators can compare student results across grades and ability levels.
TerraNova Common Core uses Three Parameter Logistic and the Two Parameter Partial Credit Item Response Theory scoring models. CTB is the only test publisher to offer both these scoring models, which enable schools to give partial credit on test items and provide a critical window into students' progress toward mastery of a subject area or specific skill.
TerraNova Common Core also provides schools with customized research and professional development services to help them align curriculum content to the new standards. CTB also offers data analysis support, on-site coaching and assistance and professional development workshops to help build schools' familiarity with new standards.
CTB will feature TerraNova, Common Core Forms 1 and 2 at the 2012 International Society of Technology in Education conference in San Diego, Calif. beginning on June 25. For more information, visit: CTB.com/TerraNovaCommonCore.
