Why do we test?
Testing has always been integral to education. Assessments inform instruction by helping teachers know if educational goals are being met. They’re an indicator of what’s working in the classroom and what can be done differently. Testing also gives parents an independent measure of their child’s learning, answering the question: Is my child making progress? Three Reasons Why Assessment Matters.
Which tests do Utah’s students take?
Utah students in grades 3-8 take the RISE test, an acronym that stands for Readiness, Improvement, Success and Empowerment. Students in grades 9-10 take the Utah Aspire Plus test, which helps predict how they will perform on college-entrance exams such as, the ACT. The Utah Aspire Plus test is free of charge, and a great way to see what you need to practice before tackling such college entrance exams as the ACT and SAT.
How should students prepare for the test?
Practice for the test is the instruction students receive throughout the school year—the skills and knowledge they acquire each day. There are a few things, however, families can do to prepare for test day at home:
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.
- Make the morning of testing as relaxing as possible by arriving to school on time.
- Encourage children to focus and pace themselves without rushing. It’s important to take your time, and read each question carefully.
- Remind children that if the test questions seem hard, that means they’re doing well. The RISE test is computer adaptive, which means it adapts to the examinee’s abilities by proposing harder questions when a student gets something correct, and easier questions when the student gives a wrong answer.
How much time do students spend taking tests?
A Canyons District audit performed in 2017 revealed students spend between 1.2 percent to 2.7 percent of the school year taking state and district assessments. By comparison, at one of CSD’s elementary schools, recess accounts for 4.5 percent of the year, 12 percent is devoted to lunch and math instruction occupies 27.3 percent of the year.
How do I access my child’s test scores?
Students and parents can access test results via Canyons District’s secure Skyward system. After logging in, click on the “State Testing” tab to view RISE and Utah Aspire Plus reports, which are updated each summer. Need help? Contact your school’s main office
- What do teachers say about state testing?
