State assessments are right around the corner and parents play an integral role in a child’s educational success. Here are five tips that parents can help with as their child begins the state assessments.
1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test.
2. On the morning of the test, your child needs to get up in plenty of time so he/she won't feel rushed.
3. Feed your child a good breakfast. Research shows that children do better on tests if they have had a good breakfast.
4. Do as much as you can to make your child feel comfortable. Try not to say things to make him/her feel more nervous.
5. Reassure your child that no matter the outcome of the test you will still love him/her. Encourage them to simply do their best.
As a district, testing takes place throughout the year. Here is a brief rundown of what assessments we have going on here in USD 495.
The General Education Assessment for the areas of ELA, Math, and Science is administered in March and April. The ELA & Math assessments are given to students in 3rd-8th & 10th grade. The Science assessment is only given to students in 5th, 8th, & 11th grade. There will also be a new classroom based assessment called the HGSS (History, Government, & Social Studies). This will be given to 4th, 7th, & 11th grade students.
Our K-12 English Learning (EL) students take the KELPA (Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment) in February and March to assess their language proficiency. They are tested in four domains: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The Instructionally Embedded model of the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate assessment takes place throughout the entire year to test students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The alternate assessments are available for ELA, Math, and Science for students who qualify in 3rd-11th grade.
Our juniors have the choice to either take the WorkKeys or the ACT. The WorkKeys assessment tests what employers say are critical for on-the-job training and career success. This is designed for students that plan to join the work force immediately after high school. All freshmen and sophomore students will take the Pre-ACT.
Assessments are an important part of the educational system in every district. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone that helps prepare our students to do their best as we begin testing. There is also a website full of resources for families. This website has more information about the parent portal, which allows you to see scores online too. https://ksassessments.org/fami...
Jennifer Keith
District Test Coordinator
FLES Assistant Principal