Ferson Creek School
38W160 Bolcum Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60175
Phone: (331) 228-2300
Fax: (331) 228-2301
Mr. Christopher Adkins, Principal
12/11/15
Dear Ferson Parents,
Please know that 2014-2015 PARCC results are now available through the Illinois
Interactive Report Card site (http://www.illinoisreportcard.com). You will see Ferson Creek’s
performance as compared to the District and State. These results represent the first year of data
collected on this new assessment. Our Fifth graders took PARCC electronically and the format
was a unique learning experience. Third and Fourth graders completed PARCC tasks in the
typical paper/pencil format. Aligned fully to the Common Core State Standards, PARCC
represented the most challenging state assessment students had been required to take to date. As
a District, St. Charles has integrated the increased rigor associated with Common Core for the
past five years. We are excited by what we can learn from PARCC but know that with all first
iterations of an assessment, we must be cautious. There are few comparisons that can be made
as the structure and content of PARCC is significantly different from past state assessments
(ISAT). The amount of time between completion and results also make it difficult to utilize this
data to support ongoing daily instructional decisions. As a building however we do take this
information into consideration along with all available assessment data and seek trends, insights,
and opportunities to strengthen and hone our professional practice to best meet identified student
needs.
I gain new insights/knowledge related to PARCC each day. Presently, the following is
my clearest understanding of what the Performance Bands represent. The Performance Level
Setting was conducted utilizing actual test results from past spring reviewed by a panel of
education specialists and grade level teachers, to determine the scores associated with
expectations at each level. Within each content area assessed, further information is provided
that details specific items within the domain of ELA (English Language Arts) or Math.
Additional information on these scores can be found on PARCC’s website
(http://www.parcconline.org/assessments/test-design/ela-literacy/ela-performance-leveldescriptors). I historically have likened yearly assessments to snapshots; representing one
moment in time or how a child performed on this day with this finite set of questions before
them. When you receive your child’s individual report (being mailed home on 12/18/15), please
keep this information in mind:
Level 5: Exceeds expectations- performed at a level beyond grade level expectations
Level 4: Met Expectations- in line with grade level expectations
Level 3: Approached expectations- nearing grade level expectations
Level 2: Partially meeting expectations- number of grade level standards met not known
Level 1: Did not yet meet expectations- number of grade level standards met not known
Ferson Creek School
38W160 Bolcum Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60175
Phone: (331) 228-2300
Fax: (331) 228-2301
Mr. Christopher Adkins, Principal
Every piece of information we have on a child’s performance must be considered when
determining their instructional needs. This year’s PARCC results are added to that “mix” and
can be used to either confirm or lead to additional investigation.
I urge you to review your child’s scores, taking into account the information provided
here. Please feel free to share your concerns and questions with your child’s teacher or myself. I
will be at Ferson Creek December 21st & 22nd and can be reached at 331-228-6475 to clarify or
address any questions you may have.
Yours in Education,
Chris Adkins, Ed.S.
Principal, Ferson Creek School