viewing my child’s Parcc test

[Anonymous]

I received my child’s Parcc scores and have some questions which I think can be answered by my viewing her test and answers. (Basically, one score was particularly low and very different than how she performed in the class so I would like to get a sense as to whether she had trouble with the substantive material, or was rushed for time, or what drove this.) I understand the tests cannot be sent home (presumably to discourage cheating), but shouldn’t I be able to go into school or some central admin office to view it? I have asked twice at her middle school and been shut down and told that the school itself does not get anything other than the scores, and that I won’t be able to see the test because it is “confidential”. I think that is BS but I’m not sure who else in the school to ask - does anyone know who I can ask about this in MCPS?

On a related note, why should this be so difficult? If there is to be good use for the Parcc tests, we need to be able to see more than just the scores. I get why my child’s teachers aren’t going to do some personal analysis of her scores, but if I as a parent am willing, why am I being denied this? I am asking because I care about my child’s personal performance, but what if, for example, students at a particular school did not do well on a portion of the math assessment- wouldn’t it be in the school’s interest to know which portion of the math curriculum their students struggled with?

[Anonymous]

My 5th grader scored very low on the 4th grade PARCC math. Not low by DCUM standards but low even when compared to the state averages. Yet he was an A/B student in math on his report card. I had to reach out to the school myself and wasn’t offered any clear path for addressing weaknesses. I have no idea where he is struggling. He is an IEP student with supports in other areas but not math. My oldest is studying for the SAT. When she tests we can review each question and answer to see where she was weak so we know what she needs help with. I don’t care about raising his PARCC score specifically but about addressing the fact that there are obviously core skills he is missing. I’m personally extremely frustrated. What is the point of sharing these scores when they really don’t provide any specific information? All that was included in the report was a vague description of content areas.

[Anonymous]

I don't have an answer about viewing the PARCC test, but I would focus more on the MAP-M tests to evaluate skills. There are a lot of issues with the PARCC, and the way it is administered makes it difficult to dig into the raw testing. But the MAP is offered more frequently, gives more detailed feedback (ask your teacher for the detailed feedback report, which breaks the score down into component parts), and MAP can be linked, roughly, to Khan Academy. So where the child has weakness, you can have them work on the similar unit on Khan Academy and actually see them working through the problem in front of you.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you can view the PARCC tests. They do release items from the test each year, but I don't think they release the whole test because the questions are considered secure. However, there should be information about which domains your child scored lower. It's definitely a good questions for his or her IEP coordinator.

[Anonymous]

Thank you from OP. My child consistently scores between 97th and 99th percentile in map math testing, and had between a 95 and 100 average all year in algebra this past year,which is why I would like to see her parcc test since she scored in the high threes in math. I want to know if there was something substantive she did not understand in algebra (which clearly wasn’t picked up in her in-class assessments), and if so what - or was this a case that she needed more time- or something else. My child does not have an iep by the way, so still would appreciate any suggestions as to who in MCPS I can contact to find out more about my child’s performance.

[Anonymous]

PARCC is administered by the state, so you would have to contact someone in MSDE. I don't think anyone ever gets to see the actual test, though, only certain questions that get released and won't be used in the future.

[Anonymous]

I would not worry too much about 1 test..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you from OP. My child consistently scores between 97th and 99th percentile in map math testing, and had between a 95 and 100 average all year in algebra this past year,which is why I would like to see her parcc test since she scored in the high threes in math. I want to know if there was something substantive she did not understand in algebra (which clearly wasn’t picked up in her in-class assessments), and if so what - or was this a case that she needed more time- or something else. My child does not have an iep by the way, so still would appreciate any suggestions as to who in MCPS I can contact to find out more about my child’s performance.

Normally, I would say don't worry about it. But, if this is the algebra test, I understand your concern, because she needs to pass the test to graduate., right? Given the graduation requirement, I agree they should be giving you some information about how she did, and whether she has to retake the test.

[Anonymous]

Have the Middle school PARCC scores been sent home? We didn't receive any yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have the Middle school PARCC scores been sent home? We didn't receive any yet.

We received MS scores last week.

[Anonymous]

If a child doesn't pass PARCC Alg test in MS do they have to retake the test in HS?

[Anonymous]

Is this info on the portal? Or only mailed home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I received my child’s Parcc scores and have some questions which I think can be answered by my viewing her test and answers. (Basically, one score was particularly low and very different than how she performed in the class so I would like to get a sense as to whether she had trouble with the substantive material, or was rushed for time, or what drove this.) I understand the tests cannot be sent home (presumably to discourage cheating), but shouldn’t I be able to go into school or some central admin office to view it? I have asked twice at her middle school and been shut down and told that the school itself does not get anything other than the scores, and that I won’t be able to see the test because it is “confidential”. I think that is BS but I’m not sure who else in the school to ask - does anyone know who I can ask about this in MCPS?

On a related note, why should this be so difficult? If there is to be good use for the Parcc tests, we need to be able to see more than just the scores. I get why my child’s teachers aren’t going to do some personal analysis of her scores, but if I as a parent am willing, why am I being denied this? I am asking because I care about my child’s personal performance, but what if, for example, students at a particular school did not do well on a portion of the math assessment- wouldn’t it be in the school’s interest to know which portion of the math curriculum their students struggled with?

Skip it. PARCC tests will not be given in Maryland anymore. It's dead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I received my child’s Parcc scores and have some questions which I think can be answered by my viewing her test and answers. (Basically, one score was particularly low and very different than how she performed in the class so I would like to get a sense as to whether she had trouble with the substantive material, or was rushed for time, or what drove this.) I understand the tests cannot be sent home (presumably to discourage cheating), but shouldn’t I be able to go into school or some central admin office to view it? I have asked twice at her middle school and been shut down and told that the school itself does not get anything other than the scores, and that I won’t be able to see the test because it is “confidential”. I think that is BS but I’m not sure who else in the school to ask - does anyone know who I can ask about this in MCPS?

On a related note, why should this be so difficult? If there is to be good use for the Parcc tests, we need to be able to see more than just the scores. I get why my child’s teachers aren’t going to do some personal analysis of her scores, but if I as a parent am willing, why am I being denied this? I am asking because I care about my child’s personal performance, but what if, for example, students at a particular school did not do well on a portion of the math assessment- wouldn’t it be in the school’s interest to know which portion of the math curriculum their students struggled with?

You have a right under FERPA to see your child's educational record and anything necessary to understand the educational record, which includes the test Qs, the administration directions, anything that indicates whether your child received accommodations, score guides, etc. This applies even though the test is "confidential" or "secure" although you may, in that instance, be required to come to a convenient location to view the test in a secure location and you may be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement in order to preserve test security.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If a child doesn't pass PARCC Alg test in MS do they have to retake the test in HS?

Yes.

There are also substitution possibilities, like AP test/IB testing.