|
|
 |
From The Principal
As we move towards Spring Break, the annual Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) gives us the opportunity to reflect on our students' learning progress. The state testing dates run March 1st - March 12th. This test, as with any assessment, provides us with a snapshot of each third, fourth, and fifth grade student's learning progress in relation to Illinois Learning Standards in the areas of reading and math. Third and fifth grade students will also have an additional assessment in the area of writing, while fourth grade will have an additional assessment in the area of science. All test sessions are a minimum of 45-minutes in length. Any student who is actively engaged in testing after 45-minutes has elapsed will be allowed up to an additional 10-minutes to complete that test session. Students with individualized education plans, according to their (IEPs), and limited English proficiency (LEPs) will be provided time beyond the 55-minutes. We ask that you remind your child to take his/her time and look over their work. The most common factor that tends to skew a student's performance is their mental outlook towards testing.
I am sure almost all of us at one time or another felt anxiety leading up to or even during a test. One way in which we, here at school, reduce our students' test anxiety is to provide practice by reviewing previous knowledge, concepts, skills, and strategies, but more importantly, talking about how to approach a test with a strong, positive mental outlook and a healthy physical state. One way in which you can do this at home is by taking the time to talk to them about the test and remind them, as you always do, about just how proud you are of them and how this test allows you and their teacher a wonderful opportunity to see just how much they have grown over the last year. Another way in which you can ensure a healthy and positive approach to their testing experience is to allow for plenty of exercise after school, a good dinner, and maintaining regular bedtime habits that ensure 8-10 hours of rest. Coupled with a good night's rest is a healthy, nutritious breakfast with plenty of family conversation and a positive reminder about their abilities.
The State of Illinois, through Pearson Education, will score the tests and the results should be forthcoming to our staff in the fall of 2010. Once obtained, individual student results will be mailed home in the fall. Just this past school year, we earned the 2009 Excellence Award for Exemplary Academic Performance on the Illinois Learning Standards. We are proud of our students and know that they will always have the support and backing of their families and teachers. Also, thank you, once again, to our room parents for putting together such wonderful Valentine's Day parties. We look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher Conferences and hope you and your child(ren) have a wonderful spring break.