Reading Sage: Exceeding, Meeting, or Passing CCSS ELA and Math Test!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Exceeding, Meeting, or Passing CCSS ELA and Math Test!

Raising Scores on the Common Core Reading (ELA) and Math Test!

The quickest way to raise or improve Common Core Reading (ELA) and Math test scores is to study tier 2 and tier 3 academic vocabulary, The CCSS website provides a guild and explanation of RIT level testing vocabulary for Common Core areas. Math, Reading and Language Arts vocabulary are divided into individual RIT levels. The tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is not directly covered in the Common Core State Standard but it is easy to find other resources. Academic Vocabulary list below are my favorite resources to prepare my daily lessons and curriculum. The lists below are a good resource to start studying.

Common Core ELA Tier 3 Reading Vocabulary | Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Common Core Test Prep Vocabulary

Reading Test Sample Problems.pdf
Language Test Sample Problems.pdf
Math Sample Problems.pdf
Science Sample Problems.pdf

GRADE 3
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 4
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 5
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 6
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 7
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 8
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 9
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 10
Sample Items Scoring Guide

Sample MAP math test question samples!
RIT Reference Chart for Mathematics: Sample Math Test question for all RIT levels

Common Core State Standards: Focus on Tier 2 & Tier 3 Academic Vocabulary
The new Common Core State Standards for reading and English language arts are three standard deviations above many States passing cut scores (NCLB testing mandate). A (CCSS) white paper to publishers and curriculum developers states a greater focus on Tier 2 high frequency academic vocabulary is needed in the primary grades. Teachers will have a few years to learn and prepare before the new standards are in effect and part of high stakes testing. Preparing students is the proverbial fly in the ointment, meeting the challenge will be virtually impossible to reach in the time allotted. What next? Endless teacher in-service training? I have used variations of Tier 2 high frequency academic vocabulary plus the NWEA tier 3 academic content specific vocabulary for years, but I have never found a qualitative graded tier 2 list! You will find great tier 3 vocabulary list by frequency, grade level, and content but not tier 2 vocabulary by grade level.
I will bring more resources when I develop or find them.

Tier 1 Basic words that commonly appear in spoken language. Because they are heard frequently in numerous contexts and with nonverbal communication, Tier 1 words rarely require explicit instruction.Examples of Tier 1 words are clock, baby, happy and walk.

Tier 2 High frequency words used by mature language users across several content areas. Because of their lack of redundancy in oral language, Tier 2 words present challenges to students who primarily meet them in print. Examples of Tier 2 words are obvious, complex, establish and verify.

Tier 3 Words that are not frequently used except in specific content areas or domains. Tier 3 words are central to building knowledge and conceptual understanding within the various academic domains and should be integral to instruction of content. Medical, legal, biology and mathematics terms are all examples of these words.

Links to PDF Academic Word List

Oklahoma Academic Vocabulary Suggested Words and Terms Marzano based list
School Speak Word List
The Tennessee Academic Vocabulary Project

Academic Tier 3 Reading Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 Mathematics Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 Writing Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 English Language Arts Glossary
PDF