The Facts on PARCC

Everything you need to know about the test, who will be taking it, and when.

What Is PARCC?
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam is a new standardized test that will be given simultaneously in New Jersey and other states, replacing those states’ existing standardized tests.

Who Will Takes the Tests?
Third-through eighth-graders, plus 11th-graders, in somewhere between 10 and 20 states, depending on which ones choose to remain with the program.

When Will the Tests Take Place?
The window for the initial round of PARCC tests is March 2 through 27, 2015, though high schools that don’t want the new tests to overlap with 11th-grade proficiency tests can start as early as February 20. Within that window, local districts will be able to choose when to conduct their tests, either all at once or with students rotating in and out. These performance-based assessment tests will be followed by end-of-year PARCC tests between April 27 and May 22.

What Will The Tests Look Like?
No one’s quite sure, because the tests are still being fine-tuned following this spring’s field tests. They will certainly employ on-screen technology—less fill-in-the-circles, more drag-and-drop—and require the student to respond to videos. For a sample of early prototype questions, see the PARCC website.

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