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Smarter Balanced Testing Window Opens
Smarter Balanced Testing Window Opens
HSD’s window for Smarter Balanced assessments is April 2 through June 8, 2018. Our goal as a district is to do everything we can to make sure students are able to show what they know on their tests. Accurate data about student achievement can help all of us improve instruction and better support students in reaching and exceeding tough instructional standards, and can only be realized when students take the tests seriously and do their best.
One of our core objectives this year for Smarter Balanced testing is to create and maintain a positive testing culture in our buildings. Your school test coordinators, in partnership with District assessment staff, have been working hard to do just that. Here are a few tips for creating that positive testing culture and ensuring students and families are well-prepared:
- Send a letter or email to parents letting them know when their student will be testing and the importance of the test.
- Post your testing schedule on your school’s website.
- Make sure students have opportunities to take the practice test before testing begins. Practice tests are available at: http://oaksortal.org/students/
- Talk to students and families about making sure students are well-rested and eat a healthy breakfast on test days.
- Provide snacks and breaks for students during testing.
- Encourage students to relax during the test, do their best and have a positive attitude.
- Create systems of rewards and incentives for students showing up and doing their best on the test.
- Use the resources on the HSD Assessment website including ideas for a positive testing culture, parent letter templates, parent flyers, etc. to further help incentivize students.
If you have questions or need assistance on any of the above, please contact HSD Test Coordinator Tom Luba.