SAGE Language Arts Information
Grades 3 – 12 Testing Sessions
LANGUAGE ARTS SAGE RESOURCES
Writing TEST FAQ Document: Document answers Frequently Asked Writing Questions.
The SAGE practice test/trial test is the place for explicit teaching and guidance on writing. It is here where teachers can guide students through the best way to use scratch paper for prewriting activities, etc. The month of March has been set aside for these SAGE practice activities.
Sample Writing Prompts & Text Sets are now available.
Writing rubrics & scoring samples are available to guide instruction. Click here.
ELA - Literacy Blueprints are now available! Also take a look at the DOK Hess Cognitive Rigor for ELA!
Can I have students develop their writing response on scratch paper and then type it into the SAGE system? Yes. Scratch paper is available for students throughout Writing SAGE. These scratch papers are secure materials. At the end of each test session they should be collected by the test proctor. If students are to return to continue writing, students should write their names on the papers, and the proctor must store them in a secure location
Can I have students look at the writing prompt and then go back to my classroom and have them compose the written answer and return to the lab later to type in the answer? No, all written components must be completed during the scheduled testing session(s) in front of computer.
Can scratch paper for writing be returned to the student the next day if they are continuing work on the same prompt? Yes
Can I give my students a graphic organizer/outline/other writing support?
No. SAGE is a measure of the skills and knowledge students have internalized over the course of the school year. Teachers and proctors are not allowed to supply students with outside instructional resources such as graphic organizers, outlines, and word lists. This includes all materials that would unfairly influence a student’s score.
What materials are allowed during testing?
Are there set stopping points on the SAGE Writing Test? No. Whenever a teacher wants they can pause the test for students and return the next day (or another day). Students need to PAUSE the writing test at the end of the session(s). Only when both prompts are completed should a student click, Submit for Scoring.
Is there a spell check or dictionary for SAGE writing?
Yes, Those tools are available for all grades 3 - 11 on both writing prompts.
Is highlighting or annotation available?
Highlighting is available. There is an online notepad where students can take notes. Students will also be able to have a blank scratch paper and pen/pencil as well. Be aware that highlighted text is only active during the current session and not saved.
How much do students need to write?
There is not an exact required length given for student responses, but guidance is provided as part of the prompt.
How do students cite the textual information/evidence they incorporate in their essays?
How long are the text sets? All text sets will contain at least two passages, but most will be multiple passages. The overall length is determined by word count. There is a minimum and maximum word count for all text sets, which is based on grade level words read per minute (wpm) targets. The training test is an accurate example of the length of the text sets for the opinion/argumentative prompt.
How will they be scored in future years? (2016-17) Machine scored with up to 20% human scored for verification. Hand scored essays will not receive a score for up to 5 days.
If I have charts (core curriculum instructional aides) up in my room do I need to take them down for the test? Students should not be provided with any assistance that would elevate their score. Charts and posters that would help students take the test should be covered or taken down.
- Writing: 180* minutes of scheduled lab time (one or multiple sittings) 60-90 minutes for each prompt.
- Reading, Speaking, Listening and Language: 90 -135 minutes (one or multiple sittings)
- According to the TAM, page 6, "Though these assessments are untimed, it is inappropriate for the Test Administrator to allow students to take excessive time to take."
LANGUAGE ARTS SAGE RESOURCES
Writing TEST FAQ Document: Document answers Frequently Asked Writing Questions.
The SAGE practice test/trial test is the place for explicit teaching and guidance on writing. It is here where teachers can guide students through the best way to use scratch paper for prewriting activities, etc. The month of March has been set aside for these SAGE practice activities.
Sample Writing Prompts & Text Sets are now available.
Writing rubrics & scoring samples are available to guide instruction. Click here.
ELA - Literacy Blueprints are now available! Also take a look at the DOK Hess Cognitive Rigor for ELA!
Can I have students develop their writing response on scratch paper and then type it into the SAGE system? Yes. Scratch paper is available for students throughout Writing SAGE. These scratch papers are secure materials. At the end of each test session they should be collected by the test proctor. If students are to return to continue writing, students should write their names on the papers, and the proctor must store them in a secure location
Can I have students look at the writing prompt and then go back to my classroom and have them compose the written answer and return to the lab later to type in the answer? No, all written components must be completed during the scheduled testing session(s) in front of computer.
Can scratch paper for writing be returned to the student the next day if they are continuing work on the same prompt? Yes
Can I give my students a graphic organizer/outline/other writing support?
No. SAGE is a measure of the skills and knowledge students have internalized over the course of the school year. Teachers and proctors are not allowed to supply students with outside instructional resources such as graphic organizers, outlines, and word lists. This includes all materials that would unfairly influence a student’s score.
What materials are allowed during testing?
- Headphones
- Scratch and/or graph paper
- Calculators as appropriate according to SAGE policy
- Reference sheets are available for download in the following two subjects: Physics and Chemistry
Are there set stopping points on the SAGE Writing Test? No. Whenever a teacher wants they can pause the test for students and return the next day (or another day). Students need to PAUSE the writing test at the end of the session(s). Only when both prompts are completed should a student click, Submit for Scoring.
Is there a spell check or dictionary for SAGE writing?
Yes, Those tools are available for all grades 3 - 11 on both writing prompts.
Is highlighting or annotation available?
Highlighting is available. There is an online notepad where students can take notes. Students will also be able to have a blank scratch paper and pen/pencil as well. Be aware that highlighted text is only active during the current session and not saved.
How much do students need to write?
There is not an exact required length given for student responses, but guidance is provided as part of the prompt.
- 3rd & 4th Grade: Length for both writing prompts should be 1-3 paragraphs.
- 5th - 11th Grade: On the Informational/Explanatory prompt, length should be 1-3 paragraphs. On the Opinion/Argumentative prompt, a well constructed essay should be written.
How do students cite the textual information/evidence they incorporate in their essays?
- 3rd – 5th Grades: Students do not need to use formal citation rules such as APA or MLA. It will be sufficient for students to paraphrase information from the text set in their essay.
- 6th – 11th Grades: When referring to evidence and information from passages, students should use paraphrasing and short quotations. To credit sources, students should use informal, in-text citations (e.g., MLA author or title tags).
How long are the text sets? All text sets will contain at least two passages, but most will be multiple passages. The overall length is determined by word count. There is a minimum and maximum word count for all text sets, which is based on grade level words read per minute (wpm) targets. The training test is an accurate example of the length of the text sets for the opinion/argumentative prompt.
How will they be scored in future years? (2016-17) Machine scored with up to 20% human scored for verification. Hand scored essays will not receive a score for up to 5 days.
If I have charts (core curriculum instructional aides) up in my room do I need to take them down for the test? Students should not be provided with any assistance that would elevate their score. Charts and posters that would help students take the test should be covered or taken down.
