Response to some questions about the diagnostic field test

Hello! I have received a few questions about the Diagnostic Field test and after a call to the Help Center I was able to gather some of the information:

QUESTION: What is the length of time for the testing blocks?

The lengths of the testing blocks are shorter than the PARCC assessment. The Math Fluency, which will be given in grades 2- 4, will be 20 -30 minutes. The ELA Decoding, grade 2, will be 35-45 minutes.

Are second graders too young to be taking this test?

The Diagnostic Test will be a tool that will be available for districts in the 2015-2016 year. When the tool is used its primary purpose for these tools is to provide educators with instructionally useful information related to how students demonstrate CCSS proficiencies (including in relation to content progressions), and to provide that information at an appropriate level of detail and specificity to supplement a teacher’s current understanding of student proficiency (taken from PARCC website). The information will be used for instructional purposed and will not have the accountability of the PARCC test. We will implement this in a relaxed manner for students.  

What will the questions on the Diagnostic Assessment look like?

I was unable to find sample questions on line. I do have an email into the support center about this. As soon as information is provided to me I will post that information.

Please continue to ask questions. I want to keep everyone as informed as possible.