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WASL Information Helpful Websites: Released WASL items: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/testquestions.aspx Port Angeles School District math WASL site: www.pasd.wednet.edu/school/mathWASL/
Writing Narrative and Expository Prompts The test includes two writing tasks or “prompts,” one designed to elicit a narrative response (fictional story) and the other, an expository response (writing to explain or to inform). Research has shown that in order to be effective, a writer must understand the role and interaction of topic, audience, purpose and form. Each prompt will contain an underlined verb – write or tell a story for the narrative prompt and explain or inform for the expository prompt. Each prompt will also specify a particular form, for example a story, letter, or several paragraphs. The student’s job is to go through the entire writing process using a writing checklist as a guide. Their final draft is the only section scored. The key is to write to the prompt and to utilize the writing checklist. Staying on topic is essential. Narrative Writing For the purpose of the WASL, a narrative response is a fictional story. Its main purpose is to interest or entertain. Effective narrative writing is usually, but not always, characterized by the following: r use of first or third person narrator r a plot, (events, conflict, beginning, middle, and end) character(s), setting r specific details to describe characters, setting, and events r dialogue r usually organized in chronological sequence r transitions which connect events in the story r central impression or theme Expository Writing For the purposes of the WASL, an expository response is one that explains why or informs about something. The writer should present information in a way that enhances the reader’s understanding of the topic. Effective expository writing is usually, but not always, characterized by the following: r narrowed topic and focus on main idea r supporting details, which may include description, examples, anecdotes, reasons and/or facts. r Logical, understandable organizational pattern r Transitions to connect ideas r Commitment to the topic (voice) r An introduction and conclusion Writing Checklist
Content and Organization
Style
Mechanics (Conventions)
Reading There are two main parts of the reading section of the WASL. Literary Text Comprehension What is the main idea? Which sentence best states the main idea of the selection? Analysis and Interpretation Predict what will happen now that the story is over. According to the story, which words best describe the main character? Informational Text Comprehension Which sentence states the most important idea in the selection? Choose another title that would work well for this text. Analyze and Interpretation Which sentence best summarizes this piece of text? Who would find the information in this piece of text most useful? Mathematics There are four types of assessment items: • Multiple-choice questions where students earn one point by selecting the right answer from three options • Extended multiple-choice items where students can earn up to two points by first selecting the right answer from options and then explaining something about their choice • Short-answer items where students earn up to two points by writing an answer, explaining their thinking, drawing a picture or diagram, or showing steps used to solve a problem • Extended-response items where students can earn up to four points by constructing a response that asks for more details (graphs, tables, written summaries) or more thinking.
Each item represents a “learning target,” which is a mathematics skill derived from the EALRs that can be captured in a paper and pencil assessment. These targets are subsets of the nine content and process mathematics strands: Number Sense, Computation, Measurement, Problem Solving, Statistics, Geometry, Communication, Algebra, and Probability.
Number and Number Theory: Demonstrate an understanding of whole numbers and fractions; demonstrate an understanding of the properties of whole numbers (Mathematics EALR 1.1.1, 1.1.3) Conceptual Understanding of Operations: Demonstrate an understanding of whole number operations (Mathematics EALR 1.1.4) Attributes and Dimensions: Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of length, perimeter, area, volume, time, weight, mass, money, and temperature; measure directly and use measurements to describe and compare objects; calculate with whole number measurements (Mathematics EALR 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3) Tools and Procedures: Select and use appropriate units and tools for measuring time, money, length, perimeter, area, volume, weight, mass, and temperature (Mathematics EALR 1.2.7, 1.2.8) Patterns and Functions: Recognize, extend, or create patterns of numbers or shapes; write a rule for a pattern based on a single arithmetic operation between terms (Mathematics EALR 1.5.1, 1.5.2) Connect within Mathematics: Use concepts and procedures from two different mathematics content strands in a given problem or situation; recognize equivalent mathematical models and representations in familiar situations (Mathematics EALR 5.1.1, 5.1.2) Estimation: Identify situations in which estimation is useful; use estimation to predict computation results and to determine the reasonableness of answers (Mathematics EALR 1.1.7, 1.1.8) Helpful Websites: Released WASL items: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/testquestions.aspx Port Angeles School District math WASL site: www.pasd.wednet.edu/school/mathWASL/ Types of Questions Multiple-Choice Students choose from three or four answer choices. Answers are scored as either right (one) or wrong (zero).
Short Answer Students generate their own answers in words, numbers or pictures. Students may be asked to explain the reasoning supporting their answer. They are worth two points and may be scored zero, one or two.
Extended Response Extended response questions are worth four points. Extended response items may ask the student to respond in the form of an essay on a single topic or by writing several paragraphs in response to individual items.
Test-Taking Strategies A Note about Speed The WASL is not timed. Rushing through the WASL is not a good idea. Plenty of time is allowed for students to read directions and respond to the problems. The Bottom Line: Reading Directions Students must read directions carefully. They are encouraged to underline key words or phrases and to take notes on important information. Neatness Answers should be written carefully and clearly and in the appropriate space. Students should feel free to write in the test booklet. The test itself is designed with plenty of space for students to write using words, numbers and pictures. More Tips Students should get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast prior to each testing day. Students will need a hearty snack on testing days. Books Show What You Know on the 4th Grade WASL by Jolie Brams and Sheila LaSalle WASL Practice Makes Perfect by Stacey Neble WASL Practice for Your 4th Grade Classroom by Stacey Neble |