Getting Ready for State Testing
As our students begin their annual state assessments, this week’s message is from our Elementary Principal, Mrs. Carrie Azure. She has some important information for our families regarding the testing over the next couple of weeks.
A message from Mrs. Azure:
“Students in grades 3 through 8, and 11 across South Dakota, including ours, will be taking the state assessment in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will also take the state assessment in Science. The purpose of this is to help you understand the assessments as well as to provide a few ideas for improving your child’s preparedness.
These assessments measure student achievement of our state’s standards in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. In addition, score reports will provide information on student performance in the following areas:
• English (grades 3-11): Reading, writing, listening, and research
• Math (grades 3-11): Concepts and procedures, problem-solving, modeling/ data analysis, and communicating reasoning
• Science (grades 5, 8, and 11): physical science, life science, and earth/space science
The assessments are given through an online computer application and are unique in the way they adapt to a student’s responses. This is important as it provides questions that are appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude towards testing. These assessments are not timed, however, we provide the following times as estimates of test duration:
• English Language Arts – 3.5 hours
• Math – 3 hours
• Science – 1.5 hours.
Student classroom grades are not affected by their performance on these assessments. However, the assessment does serve as a way for the school to analyze how our students are meeting the standards. Shortly after the testing period is complete, you will receive a report showing your child’s scores.
There is no need to study for the assessments. We do, however, ask that students try their best and get plenty of rest the night before testing. It is important for students to come to school on test days. Assessments are required, therefore making up a missed assessment leads to less instructional time and a loss of important learning opportunities.
This testing is very important for your child and our school district. Thank you for supporting your child and our school during this assessment period. Please contact us if you have any questions. Through these tests our students will help us understand the great strides they have taken toward meeting our school and state learning standards!”