Item Type Sampler Manual - NWEA

ITEM TYPE SAMPLER MANUAL

NSCAS Phase 1 Pilot and Science Field TestEnglish Language Arts, Mathematics and Science

2020–2021

ContributorsNebraska Student-Centered Assessment SystemAssessments are administered by theNebraska Department of Education (NDE):

301 Centennial Mall SouthLincoln, Nebraska 68509

(402) 471-2495

The assessment contractor is NWEA. NWEA can be reached by calling Customer Service at(855) 225-9926 or by emailing [email protected].

Copyright © 2020 by the Nebraska Department of Education. No part of this publicationmay bereproduced, copied, or distributed in any form or by anymeans, or stored in a database or retrievalsystem, without the prior written permission of the Nebraska Department of Education.

2 OF 31 | ITEM TYPE SAMPLER MANUAL © 2020 NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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3 OF 31 | ITEM TYPE SAMPLER MANUAL 2020–2021

Table of Contents

About This Manual 4

About the Item Type Samplers 4Purpose 4Available Grades and Subjects 4Number of Questions and TimeNeeded 4Structure of the Item Type Samplers 5Accommodations and Accessibility 5

Accessing the Online Item Type Samplers 6

About Paper/Pencil Item Type Samplers 7

Instructions for the Online Item Type Sampler 9Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—English Language Arts 9Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—Mathematics 12Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—Science 15

Instructions for Students Testing with Paper/Pencil 18Administering the NSCASMathematics Calculator Section 18

Test Administration Scripts 18Instructions for NSCAS Paper/Pencil Item Type Sampler—English Language Arts 18Instructions for NSCAS Paper/Pencil Item Type Sampler—Mathematics 21

Item Type Sampler Tables 24


About This Manual

This document contains information on the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS)Item Type Samplers for the NSCAS Phase 1 Pilot and Science field test assessments and how toadminister them. These samplers are intended for student usage before the administration of the actualNSCAS assessments. They also can be used to allow other stakeholders, such as parents and educators,to experience the testing environment. The Item Type Samplers are available both online and in apaper/pencil version. Science is not available in paper/pencil. Students should access the samemode(online or paper/pencil) in which theywill actually test.

About the Item Type Samplers

PurposeThe Item Type Samplers allow students to experience the types of questions and practice with the item aidsthat theywill see and use on the actual NSCAS assessments. The Item Type Samplers are not designed tobe predictive of performance on the NSCAS assessments and do not generate a score.

Available Grades and SubjectsThe Item Type Samplers are available for each subject and grade that is covered by the NSCASassessments. All ELA andMathematics samplers are available in both English and Spanish.

l NSCAS English Language Arts (NSCAS-ELA) grades 3–8 (English and Spanish)

l NSCASMathematics (NSCAS-M) grades 3–8 (English and Spanish)

l NSCAS Science (NSCAS-S) grades 5 & 8 (English only and online only—no paper Item TypeSampler is available)

Number of Questions and Time NeededThe ELA andMath Item Type Samplers have 20 questions each. The Science Item Type Sampler has 13questions for grade 5 and 12 questions for grade 8. These Item Type Samplers are untimed, but theestimated test-taking time for each is 40minutes. Studentsmay take as long as they need to finish them.Unlike the actual NSCAS assessments, progress on the Item Type Samplers is not saved; if a student doesnot complete the sampler in one sitting, he or she will have to take the entire sampler again if he or sherestarts it.


Structure of the Item Type SamplersEach Item Type Sampler has a variety of questions, representing all of the different types of questions thatthe student may encounter on the actual NSCAS assessments for that grade. The Science Item TypeSampler will also have open ended item types, however, students will not see this item type in the field testnor operationally. Instead, the prompts targeting constructed explanation and argumentation will be closeditem type.While this item type is not on the field test or on the operational test, it is important that studentshave practice with open-ended questions as they promote critical thinking skills. These samplers are notadaptive; every student in a grade will see the same questions. If a tool, such as the protractor, ruler, orcalculator, is used on questions in the actual NSCAS assessments for that grade, then some questions onthe online Item Type Sampler for that grade will use that tool.

Accommodations and AccessibilityThe online Item Type Samplers contain the same item aids and tools as the actual NSCAS assessments.For the best student experience, students should view the online Student Tutorial to learn about theavailable tools and their uses before taking the online Item Type Samplers. Text-to-Speech (TTS) isavailable for all English-language online Item Type Samplers, but for Mathematics and English LanguageArts, it should only be enabled for students with a documented need, such as an English Learner or astudent on an IEP or 504 plan, to be consistent with the requirements for use in the NSCAS assessments.NSCAS Science is currently being field-tested. Please see additional guidance to determine which studentsmay have access to TTS onNSCAS Science. To use Text-to-Speech in the online Item Type Sampler,check the "Text-To-Speech" boxwhen setting up the online Item Type Sampler.

For the best student experience, the Item Type Samplers should be administered in line with the NSCASGeneral Summative & Alternate AccessibilityManual.

NOTE: There are writing items and reading comprehension items in the ELA assessment. When Text-to-Speech is enabled for students with a documented need, only writing itemswill be read using Text-to-Speech. For the paper/pencil test forms, designated students should have writing items indicated as“read aloud” on their tests read to them in English by a qualified human reader. To help Proctors andstudents understand which writing items can be read aloud, each eligible writing itemwill bemarked with

a star with the notation “This item is not passage based.” Reading passages cannot be read aloudto students.

WhoCanUse theOnline Item Type Samplersl Students can use the Item Type Samplers to become familiar with navigating the test interface andusing the available item aids and tools. The Item Type Samplers will also expose them to the sametypes of questions that theywill see on the actual NSCAS assessments.

l Teachers and administrators can use the Item Type Samplers to become familiar with the testingexperience for students. In addition, accessing the Item Type Samplersmay be useful for ITpersonnel in testing network infrastructure.

l Parents and stakeholders can use the Item Type Samplers to become familiar with the testingexperience for students.

https://cdn.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/NSCAS-Summative-and-Alternate-Accessibility-Manual-08.12.pdf

https://cdn.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/NSCAS-Summative-and-Alternate-Accessibility-Manual-08.12.pdf


Student TutorialFor an optimal testing experience, students should view the Student Tutorial before completing the ItemType Samplers. The Student Tutorial covers test purpose and structure of the online assessment, as well asthe tools available within the assessment and how to use them.

Technology RequirementsThe Item Type Samplers can be taken on a computer, an iPad®, or a Chromebook™. Ideally, studentsshould take the Item Type Samplers on the same type of device (computer, iPad, or Chromebook) that theywill use to take the actual tests. This will ensure that they have experience with the way that tools and itemswill work on the device that they use for testing.

The browser requirements are the same as those for the NSCAS assessments; these can be found in theSystem and TechnologyGuide.

Getting HelpFor general assistance with the NSCAS, or if you need technical assistance with the Item Type Samplers,call Customer Service at (855) 225-9926 or email [email protected].

Accessing the Online Item Type Samplers

The Item Type Samplers can be accessed either through the Nebraska Assessment Portal or through theSecure Testing Browser.

Through the Assessment Portal:

Access the Nebraska Assessment Portal by opening a web browser and navigating tohttps://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/nebraska.

1. Select Item Type Sampler at the top of the page.

2. SelectOnline Item Type Sampler at the top-right of the page.

3. Enter the generic login credentials (case-sensitive):Username: nePassword: sampler

4. Choose the appropriate grade, subject, and language.

5. If appropriate, select the Text-To-Speech checkbox.

6. Click the arrow to begin the sampler.

Once the sampler is finished, an end-of-test screen is displayed. You can clickDone to return to the portal orclickTake Another Test.

https://teach.mapnwea.org/impl/captraining/StudentTutorialNE/StudentTutorialNE.htm

https://teach.mapnwea.org/impl/cap/SystemTechnologySummative.pdf

mailto:[email protected]

https://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/nebraska


Through the Secure Testing Browser:1. On your device, open the Secure Testing Browser, calledNWEA Secure Testing Browser.

2. From the login page, clickTry the Practice Test.

3. Enter the generic login credentials (case-sensitive):Username: nePassword: sampler

4. Choose the appropriate grade, subject, and language.

5. If appropriate, select the Text-To-Speech checkbox.

6. Click the arrow to begin the sampler.

Once the sampler is finished, an end-of-test screen is displayed. You can clickDone to return to the loginpage or clickTake Another Test.

About Paper/Pencil Item Type Samplers

English and Spanish paper/pencil Item Type Sampler booklets are available as a PDF for grades 3–8 inELA andMathematics. The booklets are posted to the Nebraska Assessment Portal athttps://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/nebraska.

Additionally, districts can contact NWEA to have a large print or braille form shipped to the district. To orderthe paper classroom assessment or the Item Type Sampler in large print or braille, complete the NE Spring2021Materials Order Form starting January 20, 2021. This ordering window will be available throughFebruary 2, 2021. Districts will have the opportunity to order additional materialsMarch 3, 2021 throughApril 26, 2021. For both order windows, NWEA will ship orders to the person and location indicated in thesurvey.

Purpose of the Paper/Pencil Item Type SamplersLike the online Item Type Sampler, the paper/pencil Item Type Sampler forms are intended to providestudents with the opportunity to experience the look and feel of the NSCAS assessments. It is highlyrecommended that students are exposed to the test format that they are intending to take for the NSCASassessments.

WhoCanUse the Paper/Pencil Item Type Samplersl Students can use the Item Type Samplers to become familiar with navigating the test. The Item TypeSamplers will also expose them to the same types of questions that theywill see on the actualNSCAS assessments.

l Teachers, administrators, parents, and stakeholders can use the Item Type Samplers tobecome familiar with the testing experience for students.


https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5947775/NE-Materials-Order-Form

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5947775/NE-Materials-Order-Form


Accessing the Paper/Pencil Item Type Samplers1. Access the Nebraska Assessment Portal by opening a web browser and navigating to

https://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/nebraska.

2. Select the Item Type Sampler icon at the top of the page.

3. Scroll down to the Paper/Pencil Item Type Samplers section.The PDF paper/pencil samplers are listed by subject and grade. Select the one you need to downloadand print it.



Instructions for the Online Item Type Sampler

Prepare the testing location to help administration proceed smoothly. Guidelines for preparing testinglocations can be found in theOnline Test AdministrationManual, posted on the Nebraska AssessmentPortal. The Item Type Sampler is not secure, but the directions are written tomimic the NSCAS Phase 1Pilot and Science field test assessments, which are secure.Studentsmay use scratch paper while taking theNSCAS assessments; be sure to have scratch paper available for students to use. Scratch paper must becollected at the end of the session and securely destroyed.

In order to ensure accurate achievement results, it is essential that all Proctors follow the same procedureswhen administering the samplers.

When the session is started, follow the script appropriate to each subject:l Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—English Language Arts on page 9

l Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—Mathematics on page 12

l Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—Science on page 15

Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—English Language ArtsRead aloudword for word thematerial that is printed in bold type and preceded by the word “SAY.”

Thematerial that is italicized is information for you and should not be read to the students.

Read the directions to the students exactly as they are written using a natural tone andmanner. If youmakeamistake in reading a direction, stop and say, “No, that is wrong. Listen again.” Then read the directionagain. Be sure students understand the directions and how to respond. Be careful not to inadvertently givehints or clues that indicate an answer. Begin the test when all students are present.

SAY: Today you will take the NSCAS Item Type Sampler for English Language Arts. Give thissampler your best effort. Some questions will be easy; others will be more difficult. Besure to read the entire question and all of the answer choices carefully. If you do not knowthe answer to a question, use your best test-taking skills to eliminate some answerchoices. Then choose the best answer of the ones that remain. Remember there is nopenalty for guessing. You must answer each question before you will be allowed to moveon to the next question, and you will not be able to go back after you have answered thequestion.

You may use scratch paper on this sampler.

The sampler is not timed, and you will be given a reasonable amount of time to finish.

If you need help once the sampler has started, raise your hand and the Proctor (teacher)will come to you. The Proctor (teacher) is not allowed to provide you with any additionalinformation during the sampler. The Proctor (teacher) cannot help you with any words.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions.When all students are ready, continue with the next step, assuming you are using theNWEA Secure Testing Browser. If not, use the Nebraska Assessment Portal, as described underAccessing theOnline Item Type Samplers on page 6, and then continue to Test Introduction: on page 10.


SAY: We will begin by accessing the sampler site.Windows™ desktop: –

or–Mac® desktop: –

or–Chromebook™ oriPad®:

From the Start menu, chooseNWEA Secure TestingBrowser.

Double-click the NWEA SecureTesting Browser icon on yourdesktop.

Start the NWEASecure TestingApp.

You should see the login page on your screen. Is there anyone who does not see the loginpage?

Assist students as needed.

Next, students enter the generic Username, ne, and Password, sampler. You should have alreadywrittenit on a board for all students to see.

SAY: Click “Try the Practice Test.”

Enter the Username and Password exactly as I have written them. Click on the arrow tomove to the next screen.

Test Introduction:SAY: This sampler will include several different types of questions. Some questions are based

on one or two passages. You may need to scroll down to read longer passages. Somequestions will have the passage and question side by side, while others will display thequestion below the passage. You may need to scroll down to see the question. Multiplechoice questions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices. Multipleselect questions will ask you to select multiple correct answers from among five or morechoices.

For some questions, there may be two parts, Part A and Part B, where each part has amultiple choice, multiple select, or enhanced question. Some questions will ask you toconstruct an answer by following the directions given. For these enhanced questions,follow the instructions in the question. Only one question, or one question with two parts,appears on the computer screen.

l The tools at the top of the screen may help you answer the question.

l Use the Pointer tool to select or change your answer.

l Use tools such as the Answer Eliminator, Highlighter, Eraser, Notepad, Zoom, andLine Reader to assist you during the test.

l To move to the next question, click the arrow. You cannot go back to questions youhave already answered, nor can you skip questions. You must answer every question.


l This sampler is not timed. You will know you are finished when you see a screen thatsays, “Congratulations, you have finished the test.”

When you come to the end of the session, please sit quietly or read until the Proctorprovides additional instructions.


Answer all questions.When all students are ready, continue.

SAY: From the sampler selection screen, select [GRADE] in the Grade drop-down. Next, fromthe Subject drop-down, select “English Language Arts.” Finally, select English as thelanguage. Only select the Text-to-Speech box if I tell you.

Click the arrow to begin the Item Type Sampler.

Text-to-Speech is available for all English-language Item Type Samplers, but for ELA andMathematicstests, it should only be enabled for students with a documented need, such as an English Learner or astudent on an IEP or 504 plan, to be consistent with the requirements for use in the NSCAS assessments.NSCAS Science is currently being field-tested. Please see additional guidance to determine which studentsmay have access to TTS onNSCAS Science.

While students are working, walk around the room to see that they are following directions and that they arenot looking at any other students' tests. For the NSCAS assessments, the content of all passages and itemsis secure and should not be read or looked at by anyone but the student taking the assessment. This isconsidered a test security breach and should reported to NDE.

Students can be given a time warning to help avoid having students read half a passage and then havingtime run out. Districtsmay give students a ten-minute warningm a five-minute warning, or both, such as:“Students, there are tenminutes left. Do not start a new passage.” or “Students, there are fiveminutes left.Do not start a new passage.”

Note: If a student does not finish the Item Type Sampler in one sitting, theywill have to take the entiresampler again if it is restarted.


Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—MathematicsRead aloudword for word thematerial that is printed in bold type and preceded by the word “SAY.”



Note: Copies of theMathematics Reference Sheets can be provided for grades 4 and up (availablefrom https://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/nebraska). These can be printed andmade available forstudents when they begin testing. The reference sheet is also available as a tool in the test.

SAY: Today you will take the NSCAS Item Type Sampler for Mathematics. Give this sampleryour best effort. Some questions will be easy; others will be more difficult. Be sure toread the entire question and all of the answer choices carefully. If you do not know theanswer to a question, use your best test-taking skills to eliminate some answer choices.Then choose the best answer of the ones that remain. Remember there is no penalty forguessing. You must answer each question before you will be allowed to move on to thenext question, and you will not be able to go back after you have answered the question.

The sampler is not timed, and you will be given a reasonable amount of time to finish. Youmay use scratch paper on this sampler.

Read to grades 3 to 5:

l You may not use a calculator on this test.

Read to grades 6 to 8:

l You may use a calculator ONLY on certain questions, when it appears on the top ofyour screen. You may NOT use a calculator for any other questions on this test.



Answer all questions.When all students are ready, continue with the next step, assuming you are using theNWEA Secure Testing Browser. If not, use the Nebraska Assessment Portal, as described underAccessing theOnline Item Type Samplers on page 6, and then continue to Instructions for NSCAS ItemType Sampler—Mathematics on page 12.














Test Introduction:SAY: This sampler will include several different types of questions. Multiple choice questions

will ask you to select an answer from among four choices. Multiple select questions willask you to select multiple correct answers from among five or more choices.

For some questions, there may be two parts, Part A and Part B, where each part has amultiple choice, multiple select, or enhanced question. Some questions will ask you toconstruct an answer by following the directions given. For these enhanced questions,follow the instructions in the question. Only one question, or one question with two parts,appears on the computer screen.l The tools at the top of the screen may help you answer the question.





Read to grades 4 and up only:

l You can use the Mathematics Reference Sheet at any time during the sampler. [Ifprinted copywas also provided, add]You can also use the printed version of theMathematics Reference Sheet at any time during the sampler.

Read to all grades:

l This sampler is not timed. You will know you are finished when you see a screen thatsays, “Congratulations, you have finished the test.” When you come to the end of thesession, please sit quietly or read until the Proctor provides additional instructions.



SAY: From the sampler selection screen, select [GRADE] in the Grade drop-down. Next, fromthe Subject drop-down, select “Mathematics.” Finally, select English as the language.Only select the Text-to-Speech box if I tell you.


Assist students as needed and instruct students who should use English Text-to-Speech tools to select theText-to-Speech checkbox.





Instructions for NSCAS Item Type Sampler—ScienceRead aloudword for word thematerial that is printed in bold type and preceded by the word “SAY.”



SAY: Today you will take the NSCAS Item Type Sampler for Science.

Give this sampler your best effort. Some questions will be easy; others will be moredifficult. Be sure to read the entire question and all of the answer choices carefully. If youdo not know the answer to a question, use your best test-taking skills to eliminate someanswer choices. Then choose the best answer of the ones that remain. Remember there isno penalty for guessing. You must answer each question before you will be allowed tomove on to the next question, and you will not be able to go back after you have answeredthe question.

You may use scratch paper on this sampler.

The sampler is not timed, and you will be given a reasonable amount of time to finish.



Answer all questions.When all students are ready, continue with the next step, assuming you are using theNWEA Secure Testing Browser. If not, use the Nebraska Assessment Portal, as described underAccessing theOnline Item Type Samplers on page 6, and then continue to Instructions for NSCAS ItemType Sampler—Science on page 15.













Test Introduction:SAY: This sampler will include several different types of questions. Multiple choice questions

will ask you to select an answer from among four choices. Multiple select questions willask you to select multiple correct answers from among five or more choices. For somequestions, there may be two parts, Part A and Part B, where each part has a multiplechoice, multiple select, or enhanced question. Some questions will ask you to constructan answer by following the directions given. For these enhanced questions, follow theinstructions in the question. Only one question, or one question with two parts, appearson the computer screen.

l The tools at the top of the screen may help you answer the question.




l This sampler is not timed. You will know you are finished when you see a screen thatsays, “Congratulations, you have finished the test.”

l Are there any questions?


SAY: From the sampler selection screen, select [GRADE] in the Grade drop-down. Next, fromthe Subject drop-down, select "Science." Finally, select English as the language. Onlyselect the Text-to-Speech box if I tell you.



Assist students as needed and instruct students who will use English Text-to-Speech tools to select theText-to-Speech checkbox.



Students can be given a time warning to help avoid having students read half a passage and then havingtime run out. Districtsmay give students a ten-minute warningm a five-minute warning, or both, such as:“Students, there are tenminutes left. Do not start a new passage.” or “Students, there are fiveminutes left.Do not start a new passage.”



Instructions for Students Testing with Paper/Pencil

Before administering the Item Type Sampler, download the booklets and answer sheets from the NebraskaAssessment Portal. When students are ready to take the Item Type Sampler, distribute the booklets andanswer sheets. The Item Type Sampler is not secure, but the directions are written tomimic the NSCASassessments, which are secure. Check to see that each student has a test booklet, his or her own answersheet, and a No. 2 pencil. Studentsmay use scratch paper while taking the NSCAS assessments; be sureto have scratch paper available for students to use. Scratch paper must be collected at the end of thesession and securely destroyed.

To ensure accurate achievement results, it is essential that all Proctors follow the same procedure whenadministering the Item Type Samplers. Follow the script appropriate to each subject:

l Test Administration Scripts on page 18

Administering the NSCAS Mathematics Calculator SectionSome questionsmay allow the use of a calculator; these questionswill be grouped together on the ItemType Sampler. These itemswill be clearly indicated in the Item Type Sampler booklet. Students in grades 6–8must be provided access to a calculator. After students have answered questions that require a calculator,calculators will be collected. StudentsmayNOT use calculators for the rest of theMathematics assessment.Students testing online will be provided access to a calculator in the testing engine for these items.

Note: Studentsmay not share calculators during the assessment. The calculator function of asmartphonemay not be used during a test. For guidance on calculator usage, please reference theNSCASMathematics Calculator Policy.

Test Administration Scripts

Instructions for NSCAS Paper/Pencil Item Type Sampler—EnglishLanguage ArtsRead aloudword for word thematerial that is printed in bold type and preceded by the word “SAY.”



SAY: Today you will take the NSCAS Item Type Sampler. Give this sampler your best effort.Some questions will be easy; others will be more difficult. Be sure to read the entirequestion and all of the answer choices carefully. If you do not know the answer to aquestion, use your best test-taking skills to eliminate some answer choices. Then choosethe best answer from the ones that remain. Remember there is no penalty for guessing.


You CAN skip questions and come back to them if you need more time.

The sampler sessions are not timed, and you will be given a reasonable amount of time tofinish.



Answer student questions as needed.

SAY: We are about to begin the [GRADE] NSCAS English Language Arts Item Type Sampler.Fill in your name on the front cover.


SAY: . You will mark all of your answers on your answer sheet. Do not make any stray marks onthe answer sheet.

Also open your Item Type Sampler booklet to page 5. You should see the directions inyour Item Type Sampler booklet. Raise your hand if you need help finding the directions.


SAY: We will read the directions together. Please follow along as I read aloud.

On the following pages of your Item Type Sampler booklet are passages and questionsfor the [GRADE] Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) EnglishLanguage Arts Item Type Sampler.

Read these directions carefully before beginning the Item Type Sampler.

This Item Type Sampler will include several different types of questions. Some questionsare based on one or two passages. Multiple choice questions will ask you to select ananswer from among four choices. Multiple select questions will ask you to select multiplecorrect answers from among five or more answer choices. For some questions, there maybe two parts, Part A and Part B, where each part has a multiple choice or multiple selectquestion. Some questions will ask you to construct an answer by following the directionsgiven. These questions will be found in your test booklet.

For all questions:

l Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

l You may use scratch paper to make notes.

l Be sure to answer ALL the questions.

When you come to the word STOP, you have finished the [GRADE] NSCAS EnglishLanguage Arts Item Type Sampler.

You may review to check your answers. Make sure you have marked all of your answersclearly and that you have completely erased any marks you do not want. When you arefinished, put your answer sheet inside your test booklet and close your test booklet.

At the end of the sampler, I will collect your booklets, answer sheet, and scratch paper.


When you are finished with the sampler, you may sit quietly or read your book until Idismiss you.


At the end of the sampler, I will collect your booklets, answer sheet, and scratch paper.When you are finished with the sampler, you may sit quietly or read your book until Idismiss you.



SAY: Turn to page 6 of your Item Type Sampler booklet. You are now ready to begin thesampler.

Assist students to begin the test as needed.


At the end of testing, collect test materials and scratch paper from students and either securely store themfor the next test session or give them to the School Assessment Coordinator to be destroyed.

Students can be given a time warning to help avoid having students read half a passage and then havingtime run out. Districtsmay give students a ten-minute warning and/or a five-minute warning, such as:“Students, there are tenminutes left. Do not start a new passage.” and/or “Students, there are fiveminutesleft. Do not start a new passage.” At the end of testing, collect test materials and scratch paper from studentsand either securely store them for the next test session or give them to the School Assessment Coordinatorto be destroyed.


Instructions for NSCAS Paper/Pencil Item Type Sampler—MathematicsRead aloudword for word thematerial that is printed in bold type and preceded by the word “SAY.”



SAY: Today you will take the NSCAS Item Type Sampler. Give this sampler your best effort.Some questions will be easy; others will be more difficult. Be sure to read the entirequestion and all of the answer choices carefully. If you do not know the answer to aquestion, use your best test-taking skills to eliminate some answer choices. Then choosethe best answer from the ones that remain. Remember there is no penalty for guessing.You CAN skip questions and come back to them if you need more time.

The sampler sessions are not timed, and you will be given a reasonable amount of time tofinish.




SAY: We are about to begin the [GRADE] NSCAS Mathematics Item Type Sampler. Fill in yourname on the front cover.


SAY: You will mark all of your answers in your answer sheet. Do not make any stray marks onthe answer sheet.Grades 3 and 5: –or– Grades 4, 7, and 8: –or– Grade 6:

Also open your ItemType Sampler booklet topage 25.



You should see the directions in your Item Type Sampler booklet. Raise your hand if youneed help finding the directions.


SAY: We will read the directions together. Please follow along as I read aloud.

On the following pages of your Item Type Sampler booklet are questions for the [GRADE]Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) Mathematics Item TypeSampler.

Read these directions carefully before beginning the Item Type Sampler.


This Item Type Sampler will include several different types of questions. Multiple choicequestions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices. Multiple selectquestions will ask you to select multiple correct answers from among five or more answerchoices. For some questions, there may be two parts, Part A and Part B, where each parthas a multiple choice or multiple select question. These questions will be found in yourtest booklet.

For all questions:

l Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

l You may use scratch paper to solve the problems.

l For grades 4 to 8 – The Mathematics Reference Sheet is provided in the back of theMathematics section. You may refer to this page at any time during the test.

l For grades 3 to 5 – You may not use a calculator on this test.

–or–

For grades 6 to 8 – You may use a calculator ONLY on designated questions. You mayNOT use a calculator for any other questions on this test.

l Be sure to answer ALL the questions on your answer sheet.

For grades 3 to 5 –

When you come to the word STOP, you have finished the [GRADE] NSCASMathematics Item Type Sampler. You may review to check your answers. Make sureyou have marked all of your answers clearly and that you have completely erased anymarks you do not want. When you are finished, put your answer sheet inside your testbooklet and close your test booklet.

For grades 6 to 8 –

When you come to the word STOP at the end of Part 1, you have finished Part 1 of the[GRADE] NSCAS Mathematics Item Type Sampler. You may review ONLY Part 1 tocheck your answers. Make sure you have marked all of your answers clearly and thatyou have completely erased any marks you do not want. Your calculator must becollected before you can continue with Part 2. When your calculator has been collectedand your Proctor has given you permission, you may move on to Part 2.

When you are finished with Part 2, you may review ONLY Part 2 to check your answers.Make sure you have marked ALL of your answers clearly and that you have completelyerased any marks you do not want. Put your answer sheet inside your test booklet andclose your test booklet.

At the end of the sampler, I will collect your test booklets, answer sheet, and scratchpaper. When you are finished with the test, you may sit quietly or read your book until Idismiss you.




SAY: Grades 3 and 5: –or– Grades 4, 7, and 8: –or– Grade 6:

Turn to page 26 of yourItem Type Samplerbooklet.

Turn to page 24 ofyour Item TypeSampler booklet.

Turn to page 28 of yourItem Type Sampler booklet.

You are now ready to begin the sampler.



At the end of testing, collect test materials and scratch paper from students and either securely store themfor the next test session or give them to the School Assessment Coordinator to be destroyed.

Students can be given a time warning to help avoid having students read half a passage and then havingtime run out. Districtsmay give students a ten-minute warning and/or a five-minute warning, such as:“Students, there are tenminutes left. Do not start a new passage.” and/or “Students, there are fiveminutesleft. Do not start a new passage.” At the end of testing, collect test materials and scratch paper from studentsand either securely store them for the next test session or give them to the School Assessment Coordinatorto be destroyed.


Item Type Sampler Tables

The following tables show the item numbers, item types, and tools used for each Item Type Sampler for ELAandMath.

All items include Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader, and Notepad. Multiple choice andmultiple select itemsalso include the Answer Eliminator. Itemswhere all of these tools are available are listed as "All UniversalTools" in the tables below; otherwise, only the tools that are available on the item are listed.

Text-to-Speech can be turned on for all applicable items on English-language tests when selecting thegrade and content area for the item sampler. TTS is not available for Spanish-language tests.

ELA GRADE 3

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 Composite AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

6 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

7 Drag &Drop Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader,Notepad


9 Multiple Select AllUniversal Tools


11 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


13 Hot Text Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader,Notepad


15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

ELA GRADE 4

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

6 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

7 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

9 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools


11 Drag &Drop

Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader, Notepad

12 Drag &Drop


13 Drag &Drop



15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


ELA GRADE 3



19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

ELA GRADE 4

17 Hot Text Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader, Notepad


19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools


ELA GRADE 5

ITEMNUMBER ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 Multiple Choice AllUniversal Tools









10 Drag &Drop Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad




14 Hot Text Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad







ELA GRADE 6

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


7 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


9 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

10 GapMatch Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader,Notepad

11 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools


13 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

14 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools



19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools


ELA GRADE 7

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools



8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

9 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

10 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


12 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


14 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

17 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

18 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


ELA GRADE 8

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


7 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


10 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools



13 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

17 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

18 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

19 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


MATH GRADE 3

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools+Ruler

3 Text Entry Zoom, Highlighter, Line Reader,Notepad

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools



8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

9 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

10 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

11 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


13 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools


18 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

MATH GRADE 4

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


6 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


10 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


12 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


14 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

15 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

16 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

17 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools+Protractor


19 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

20 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


MATH GRADE 5

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

2 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

3 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools



7 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

8 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

9 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


11 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

12 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

13 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools



16 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

17 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

18 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


20 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

MATHGRADE

6

Grade 6 allows a basic calculator on someitems, as noted below. Calculator use isdetermined on an item-by-item basis, so theuse of a calculator on a particular item on theITS does not automatically mean there will bea calculator used on that item type or topicevery time on the assessment.

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS


2 Multiple Choice AllUniversal Tools+BasicCalculator



5 Hot Text Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad, BasicCalculator









14 Text Entry Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad




18 Composite AllUniversal Tools+BasicCalculator




MATHGRADE

7

Grade 7 allows a scientific calculator onsome items, as noted below. Calculator useis determined on an item-by-item basis, sothe use of a calculator on a particular item onthe ITS does not automatically mean therewill be a calculator used on that item type ortopic every time it appears on theassessment.

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 Multiple Choice AllUniversal Tools+ScientificCalculator




5 Multiple Select AllUniversal Tools+ScientificCalculator


7 Composite AllUniversal Tools+ScientificCalculator








15 Text Entry Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad





20 Composite AllUniversal Tools+ScientificCalculator

MATHGRADE

8

Grade 8 allows a scientific calculator onsome items, as noted below. Calculator useis determined on an item-by-item basis, sothe use of a calculator on a particular item onthe ITS does not automatically mean therewill be a calculator used on that item type ortopic every time it appears on theassessment.

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS












12 Text Entry Zoom, Highlighter, LineReader, Notepad,ScientificCalculator










SCIENCE GRADE 5

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools



4 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools




8 Extended Text AllUniversal Tools



11 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

12 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

13 Extended Text AllUniversal Tools

SCIENCE GRADE 8

ITEMNUMBER

ITEMTYPE TOOLS

1 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools




5 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools




9 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools

10 MultipleSelect

AllUniversal Tools

11 MultipleChoice

AllUniversal Tools


Item Type Sampler Manual - NWEA

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Transcript of Item Type Sampler Manual - NWEA