PARCC

PARCC is a standardized testing framework designed to assess student readiness for college and career in the United States. The framework was developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, a consortium of states including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. The Common Core State Standards Initiative and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium are similar initiatives that aim to improve student outcomes. The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers have been involved in discussions about the implementation of PARCC.

Introduction

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers is a non-profit organization that aims to improve student outcomes by providing a standardized testing framework. The framework is designed to assess student readiness for college and career in the United States, with a focus on mathematics and English language arts. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Teachers of English have provided input on the development of the framework. The U.S. Department of Education has also provided funding for the development of the framework, with support from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Lumina Foundation.

History

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers was formed in 2010, with the goal of developing a standardized testing framework that would assess student readiness for college and career. The framework was developed in partnership with states and organizations such as the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers. The Common Core State Standards Initiative was also developed around the same time, with the goal of improving student outcomes. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is another similar initiative that aims to improve student outcomes. The Education Commission of the States and National Association of State Boards of Education have also been involved in discussions about the implementation of the framework.

Assessment Structure

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers framework includes a range of assessments that are designed to measure student readiness for college and career. The assessments include end-of-year tests, performance tasks, and speaking and listening assessments. The framework is designed to be aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative, with a focus on mathematics and English language arts. The National Assessment of Educational Progress and Program for International Student Assessment are other assessments that provide data on student outcomes. The College Board and ACT, Inc. also provide assessments that are used to measure student readiness for college.

Implementation and Controversies

The implementation of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers framework has been controversial, with some states and organizations expressing concerns about the cost and effectiveness of the framework. The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers have expressed concerns about the impact of the framework on teacher evaluation and student outcomes. The U.S. Department of Education has provided funding for the implementation of the framework, with support from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Lumina Foundation. The Education Trust and National Center for Education Statistics have also provided data and research on the implementation of the framework.

Impact and Outcomes

The impact of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers framework on student outcomes is still being studied, with some research suggesting that the framework has improved student outcomes in mathematics and English language arts. The National Center for Education Statistics and Education Commission of the States have provided data and research on the impact of the framework. The College Board and ACT, Inc. have also provided data on the impact of the framework on college readiness. The National Association of State Boards of Education and Council of Chief State School Officers have been involved in discussions about the impact of the framework on student outcomes.

Criticisms and Reforms

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers framework has been criticized for its focus on standardized testing and its potential impact on teacher evaluation and student outcomes. The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers have expressed concerns about the framework, with some calling for reforms to the framework. The U.S. Department of Education has provided funding for the development of alternative assessments, with support from organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Lumina Foundation. The Education Trust and National Center for Education Statistics have also provided data and research on the need for reforms to the framework. The Council of Chief State School Officers and National Association of State Boards of Education have been involved in discussions about reforms to the framework. Category:Education in the United States