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
Nomenclature of Ionic Compounds
Given descriptors, diagrams. or scenarios, students will write and name the chemical formulas of common polyatomic ions and ionic compounds containing main group or transition metals and bases.
Mole Conversions
Given descriptions or chemical formula of a substance, students will convert between mass, moles, and particles for a sample of material.
Quantifying Changes in Chemical Reactions: Balancing Equations
Given descriptions or chemical formulas of the reactants and the products of chemical reactions, students will apply the law of conservation of mass and manipulate coefficients to balance chemical equations.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Safe Practices
Students will use interactive exercises to review common lab safety rules and safety symbols.
Lab Safety Equipment
Given investigation scenarios, students will select appropriate preventative safety equipment.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Data Organization
Using interactive exercises, students will review how to construct tables and graphs in order to organize data.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Data Analysis
Students will use interactive exercises to analyze data to identify patterns, predict trends, formulate reasonable explanations, and communicate valid conclusions.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Scientific Explanations
Using interactive exercises, students will review how to evaluate a scientific explanation.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Models
Using interactive exercises, students will review the three different types of models and the advantages and limitations of models.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning - Contribution of Scientists
Using interactive exercises, students will review the contributions of scientist to various fields of scientific study.
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.
Compare/Contrast Themes and Genres in Literary Texts
You will learn how to analyze, make inferences, and draw conclusions about theme and genre in different cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts and provide evidence from the text to support your understanding.
Edit Drafts for Grammar, Mechanics, and Spelling
You will learn how to edit a draft for grammar, mechanics, and spelling using editing strategies.
Writing Literary Text with an Engaging Story Line
You will learn how to write an imaginative story that sustains reader interest and includes well-paced action, an engaging story line, and a believable setting.
Write Literary Text That Develops Interesting Characters
You will learn how to write an imaginative story that develops interesting characters and believable dialogue.
Write Literary Text That Uses Literary Strategies/Devices to Enhance the Style and Tone
You will learn how to write an imaginative story that uses literary strategies/devices to enhance style and tone.