The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a group of states, including New Jersey (NJ), working together to develop a set of assessments that measure student performance. The PARCC computer-based tests replace the paper-and-pencil based NJASK and HSPA exams. The assessments, aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), in mathematics and English language arts literacy are administered to give teachers, schools, students and parents a better idea of whether students are on track in their learning and understanding of the materials needed for success after high school.
How is it structured?
The PARCC assessments have two components: Mathematics and English language arts literacy. The tests are computer-based and will be administered during two separate testing windows during the school year. The first window period will be for a Performance Based Assessment (PBA) test and the second window period will be for an End-of-Year (EOY) test. The estimated time, that is the time that at least half of the students are expected to complete the test within, is 6.5 hours in Grade 3 to 5, and 7.5 hours in Grades 6 to 11.
How is it scored?
The PARCC assessment score report will show overall performance scores in both Mathematics and English language arts literacy. The overall performance score will be reported in one of five proficiency levels: Minimal (Level 1), Partial (Level 2), Moderate (Level 3), Strong (Level 4) or Distinguished (Level 5). Generally a score that falls within Level 4 or Level 5 is considered college and career ready.
Dolphin Academic Prep offers personalized PARCC tutoring!
Our knowledge and experience with the PARCC test has enabled us to develop a highly effective approach for PARCC prep. In particular and in addition to developing the problem-solving techniques that are the crux of our test-prep tutoring, our Dolphin PARCC prep tutors also take care to emphasize the specific knowledge, concepts, strategies and skill sets required for success on the PARCC assessments. We emphasize the kinds of problem-solving skills that will enable your student to effectively wrestle with unusual and/or unfamiliar question types. As part of the overall process, we also help our parents understand PARCC’s score report and how it translates to your child.
Every student is different and therefore we believe it’s imperative that in order to maximize performance on the PARCC assessments it is necessary to tailor the prep process to the individual student in an effort to develop the approach that best works for them.
Diagnostic, Evaluation and Practice
Before the first PARCC tutoring session, each student receives a diagnostic PARCC test. The diagnostic test gives the student an introduction to the test and PARCC test prep; it also allows for a baseline to be created. Moreover, based on the results, we formalize an evaluation that identifies the areas of strength, those areas that need the most help, specifies an optimal prep schedule, and sets specific goals. Throughout the PARCC test prep our Dolphin PARCC Tutors will continue to administer practice PARCC test like questions so that your child becomes familiar with the format, style and speed of the test, so on exam day it minimizes any surprises they may face.
More information
We are here to answer your questions, so give us a call or send us an email to see how personalized PARCC tutoring with a private Dolphin Academic Prep tutor can help benefit you. Check to see when the PARCC is being offered.