AzMERIT

The AzMERIT what??

• AIMS is gone. Bye. • AzMERIT is the new AIMS type test• Still Writing and Reading sections (and math-but you don’t want me

teaching you that)• Writing (1 part)• Reading (2 parts)

• BIG DIFFERENCES: • It can be on a computer or on paper.

• CBT=Computer Based Test • PBT=Paper Based Test

• “Multiple Choice” questions could have one correct answer or more than one correct answer.

Why should you care?

• You will take the first ever AzMERIT test on April 14th and 15th • Your AzMERIT test score will go into your permanent record. • PHS keeps all records of you, including grade transcripts and all standardized

tests taken• It’s a chance to prove to PHS that you know how to write a WOD and maybe

we don’t need to keep focusing on this is all of your classes!!!

Computer vs. Paper Tests – Perry will take the paper test• Computer• You click on the right answer

• Paper• There will be no separate answer documents; students will answer the

questions directly in the test booklets. • Example (no the key will not be there)

Something else different…multiple answers

How will you know if it’s one or more? • Read the question.

Writing TestApril 14th

AzMERIT format

Writing Guides for English Language Arts (ELA) from AzMERIT • Each writing test will have one or more passages that relate to a prompt. Students

will create a written response to the prompt. Students will not answer comprehension questions about the prompt. • Scratch paper is permitted on the test in order for students to compose a rough

draft prior to formulating a “final” copy in the paper booklet or in the word processing area on the computer.• PBT (Paper Based Testing)— On the PBT the students will have access to one or

more passages that relate to a prompt, a print copy of the Writing Guide and a “final” copy area to write their response.• On paper, the Writing Guide will also appear after the writing prompt and before the final

copy area on the PBT. • On the PBT, there will be two final copy pages with a line spacing of .3” for grades 5–11

(college ruled)

Two possible types of essays…

A. Informative Explanatory Essay‐B. Argumentative Essay

• Guess what? The writing part is basically a Writing on Demand!• You will get sources to use• Use those sources as the facts/quotes for your essay

• You will cite your source as an in-text citation or attribution. Do not put your source in parentheses.• Here is an example of how to cite:

According to Mr. Bart Simpson, author of It’s a Homer Life, “the best food to eat for breakfast is the jelly doughnut.”

Rubrics for Both Types

• Your teacher will show you a hard copy of these rubrics. (one for argument, one for explanatory)• Scores are 1 – 4 (different than the 6-traits)• On the day of the exam, you will also receive a reminder (guideline)

sheet. Look this over as you write your essay to make sure you have all of the necessary parts.• You ARE allowed to use dictionaries and thesauri

Reading TestApril 15th

• The AzMERIT test has different names for the different types of questions. Here’s what they are, and what you have to do to answer them.

Reading Test Question Types• Multiple Choice Question• Pick the best answer

• Evidence-Based Selected Response (2 part question)1. The letter answer2. The sentence that proves the above letter answer is correct

• Hot Text• Select sentences

• Two-Part Hot Text (2 part question)1. The letter answer2. The sentence that proves the above letter answer is correct

• Natural Language• Write in your own short answer

Reading Test Question Types cont.

• Multi Select• Choose multiple correct answers

• Grid Diagram• Place the correct answer within the diagram

• Draggable Hot Text• Identified four sentences in order to complete a summary of the passage.

• Audio• Editing Task• Possibly write your own answer

AzMERIT Reading Test

• Let’s try a sample test!