Exploring WorkKeys

CESA 4 SISJanuary 15, 2015

ACT – March 3 for all juniors in WI WorkKeys – March 4 for all juniors in

WI-Applied Mathematics-Locating Information-Reading for Information

Paper and pencil 45 minutes per assessment (total 165

w/directions)

State HS assessments in March, 2015:

Students can earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) -an industry-recognized, portable, research-based credential that certifies essential skills needed for workplace success.

 Test questions are based on situations in the everyday work world.

Benefits to our students:

Problem solving Critical thinking Reading and using work-related text Applying information from workplace documents to

solve problems Applying mathematical reasoning to work-related

problems Setting up and performing work-related

mathematical calculations Locating, synthesizing, and applying information

that is presented graphically Comparing, summarizing, and analyzing information

presented in multiple related graphics

WorkKeys measures:

Over 20,000 jobs are profiled – can compare student’s results with the profile for the job and help him/her identify gaps and what courses, etc. will help him/her grow

WorkKeys results will be saved in a database that students that can access. Students can retake WK later in life if desired to improve score.

DPI and WK will make a pdf available to each district to award the certificates to students who earn them.

There are no plans for WK to be part of the school report card (accountability system) at this time.

WorkKeys – the career readiness portion of “college and career

readiness”

WorkKeys scores will determine what level of certificate students

are eligible to earn.

±2%

Yes, it’s required, but… Students can earn a nationally recognized

Certificate How can we make this work for us?

-show the value to our local employers-demonstrate the value to our students

of focusing on the test

Assessment: WorkKeys

Video from PBS – http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education-jan-june14-skillsgap-01-22/

http://www.workreadycommunities.org

http://www.act.org/products/workforce-act-workkeys/ and click on the “Educator” Tab

Helpful places:

Technical Manual

Targets for Instruction Resource

Prep Package

Practice Test

WorkKeys Prep Materials

System Overview Construct Definition Assessment Development Scaling and Equating Reliability Validity Appendices for Assessment Formats,

Administration Times, Accommodations, etc.

Technical Manual

Targeted Skills Strategies for Teaching Skill Scales and Assessments Format and Construction of the

Assessment Skill Level Expectations and Moving to

the next level

Targets for Instruction

Test Taking Tips Practice Test Answer Sheet Practice Test Questions Correct Answers Sheet Level Estimates Chart Answer Justifications

Prep Package

Practice Test Questions

Practice Test

Exploring the 3 Assessments

Applied Mathematics is the skill people use when they

apply mathematical reasoning and problem

solving techniques to work-related problems.

Applied Mathematics

Levels of Proficiency

● Five levels (3-7)

● Criteria for developing levels:o types of operations employees

performo form and order employees receive

information (the presentation of the information)

Skills Assessed Are Based on Applications of:

● Quantity ● Money● Time● Measurement● Proportions & Percentages● Averages

Reading for Information

Reading for Information is the skill people use when they read

and use written text in order to do a job.

Written materials include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies and regulations.

Levels of Proficiency

● Five levels (3/least complex to 7/most complex)

● Criteria for developing levels:-Difficulty of the reading material-Difficulty of the tasks the reader must carry out

Based on a combination of factors: length, difficult or unfamiliar vocabulary, number of confusing details, clarity of the writing, and number and type of conditional statements.

Skills assessed

● Choosing main ideas or details● Understanding work meanings● Applying instructions● Applying information and

reasoning

Locating Information

Locating Information is the skill people use when they work with

workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms,

flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instructional gauges.

Levels of Proficiency

● 5 Levels (3 to 7)

● Criteria for developing levels:-Locating and using information

Skills assessed:

Definitions and attributes of graphics (comparison, change, arrangement, procedures, quantity, attributes/characteristics of a person or thing)

Interpreting and evaluating graphs

Time for some Team Work

Find 2 friends to work with as a team of 3

Each person takes the Targets for Instruction and Prep Package for one of the Assessments

Use the directions in the Thoughts and Ideas document

to review your materials..

Sharing your thoughts

Share your Thoughts and Ideas with the rest of your team

Large Group Discussion

Final Thoughts…