2 Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment: Administering and Interpreting Results
This binder details how to score and interpret the results of the Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA). This course is Unit 4 of the Texas Adolescent Literacy Academy (TALA). These materials are available for view only; no credit or certificate is provided.
Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA)
Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.006(c-1) requires that students who do not meet the passing standard on the Grade 6 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) reading test must be administered a reading assessment at the beginning of grade 7. The Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) was developed with Texas students to be a valid and reliable instrument for determining students’ areas of instructional need.
The TMSFA is based on valid and reliable scientific research, thoroughly measures each domain of development, and is user-friendly. The following three domains of development are assessed using the TMSFA.
- Text Comprehension (Reading)
- Word Analysis
- Fluency
Making Solutions
Given graphs, scenarios, illustrations, or descriptions, the student will determine how different processes affect solubility in aqueous solutions.
Precipitation Reactions
Given graphs, scenarios, illustrations, or descriptions, the student will determine how different processes affect solubility in aqueous solutions.
Electric and Magnetic Forces
Given diagrams, illustrations, or descriptions, students will identify examples of electric and magnetic forces.
Documenting Sources and Writing a Bibliography/Works Cited (English III Research )
You will learn how to cite your sources in the body of your research paper and write a works cited page according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style manual.
Types of Motion
Students will distinguish between and/or interpret the types of motion.
Matter and Energy - Atomic Structure
Using interactive exercises, students will describe the structure of atoms and the locations of particles with in the atom.
Gravity
Using interactives, students will demonstrate that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system.
Light Years
Students will identify how light years are used to measure distances and sizes of components of the universe.
Types of Science Investigations
Students will distinguish between descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations.
Experimental Design
Given investigation scenarios and lab procedures, students will identify independent variables, dependent variables, constants, and control groups.
Cell Homeostasis: Osmosis
The focus of this resource is cell homeostasis and, more specifically, osmosis. Students investigate the concept through a virtual lab, recording and analyzing data, creating sketches to represent vocabulary, and discovering the role of aquaporins in water transport through the cell membrane.
What’s Trending with the Elements?
This resource, aligned with Chemistry TEKS (5)(C), provides alternative or additional tier-one learning options for students using the periodic table to identify and explain trends.
Protein Synthesis
The learner explores the structure and function of the nucleic acids and enzymes important to the process of synthesizing proteins.
Cell Comparisons
Learners compare a variety of prokaryotes and eukaryotes to determine similarities and differences among and between them.
Introduction to Plate Tectonics
This resource is intended to use for Tier I classroom instruction.
Human Impact
This resource can be used, in conjunction with best practices, for Tier I classroom instruction.
Introducing the Atom
A resource to be used for Tier I instruction for the introduction of the structure of atoms.
How Global Patterns of Atmospheric Movement Influence Local Weather
Students will identify how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather.