I'm guessing that most readers of this blog have taken part in traditional "item analysis" activities using MCAS item reports and a packet of released test items. The Standards for Mathematical Practice (page 15 in the new Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics document) provide an opportunity make connections with these process standards (such as, "Attend to precision" or "Look for and make use of structure") to this traditional type of data analysis.
Our regional Math Specialist, Madeline Roy, and I have documented some ideas for an activity (piloted this summer) to engage staff in exploring MCAS test item data while making connections to the Standards for Mathematical Practice. More information can be found in Facilitator's Notes and Recording Sheet documents which we have put together for your use. As always, we look forward to your feedback!
In addition, I'm sharing a link back to a post from fall 2010 entitled "Engaging Staff in MCAS Data Exploration" with additional ideas for sharing MCAS data with staff.
Best wishes to you all for a smooth start to the school year!
