Page 11 - February 2013

State Testing 2013 State Testing and Dear Parent/Guardian: Reporting Timeline Jan 2–Feb 8: Math and Biology EOC Every spring, the state tests all students in grades 3–8 and 10 to make sure their learning is on track. It also tests all English language learners in grades K–12 to make sure they are learning English. The results from this testing are retake testing window important to us all. Feb 4–Mar 8: WELPA testing window for grades Students in grades 3–8 participate in the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP). Those in high school K–12 take High School Profciency Exams (HSPE) in Reading and Writing, and End-of-Course (EOC) exams Mar 12–14: Writing & Reading in algebra 1 or integrated math 1, geometry or integrated math 2, and biology. HSPEs Apr 24–May 16: MSP paper/pencil Students in grades K–12 who are English language learners take the Washington English Language testing window for Profciency Assessment (WELPA). The WELPA measures growth in oral and written English. Since grades 3–8* knowing and using English well is necessary for success in school, it is important that students who need additional help Apr 24–May 31: MSP online testing learning English get the help they need. window for grades 3–8* The MSP is also offered online in reading, math and science (grades 5 and 8). Beginning in last spring, students in grades 3–8 began taking the reading and math tests online. End of School EOC Math & Biology Year: exams (last three Our state tests were named to convey their specifc goals: weeks of school, between May 6 and • The MSP measures student progress. While the MSP results are important, state testing should never be the sole Jun 21) measure of a student’s academic skills and knowledge. A student’s entire performance should always be considered. May 31–Jun 23: August HSPE registration window • The HSPE ensures that high school students are profcient, or have the basic skills necessary to move on to the next Jun 6: HSPE score reports steps in their life. The high school tests are aligned to graduation requirements. sent to districts for grades 10–12 • The EOC tests students at the end of a specifc course on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained from that course, rather than a comprehensive test that assesses overall knowledge. Jun 20: Release of statewide HSPE results Students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 must pass reading, writing and math (algebra 1 or integrated math 1, OR Aug 13–15: Summer HSPE testing geometry or integrated math 2) to be eligible to graduate. Students in the class of 2015 and beyond must pass reading, Sept: Student score reports writing, math (algebra 1 or integrated math 1, AND geometry or integrated math 2) and science. sent home If you have questions or concerns about your child’s learning, please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor. To * Testing is one subject per day. learn more about the state’s testing system, please visit www.WAtesting.com. What Does an MSP/HSPE/ A student receiving special education may be eligible for additional alternatives related to the testing requirements EOC Score Mean? (please see “How students in Special Education Participate in State Testing” on the OSPI website). Students receive a score for each MSP/HSPE/EOC test Who Gets Tested and When? taken. Scores are based on how an individual student performed, so you won’t fnd percentiles often The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires yearly testing of students in grades 3–8 and 10 in reading and math, and provided by other standardized tests. Scores fall into in three grades in science (grades 5, 8 and 10 in Washington). Our state also tests students in writing (grades 4, 7 and 10). one of four levels: Students for whom English is not their frst language are tested annually in the spring using the WELPA from Level Exceeds State Standards: 4 kindergarten through grade 12, until they no longer qualify for language support services. Represents advanced mastery of skills and knowledge in a subject. Level Meets State Standards: 3 Represents mastery of skills and Knowledge in a subject. Level Below State Standard: 2 Represents some mastery of skills and knowledge in a subject. Level Well-Below State Standard: 1 Represents little to no mastery of skills and knowledge in a subject. chehalistribe.org  greatwolfodge.com  luckyeagle.com  eagleslandinghotel.net Page 11