Coffee and Curriculum Standardized Testing

Goal for Meeting Have better understanding of the standardized testing administered to Oak Grove students. Understand school goals for improving student achievement

CogAT Mental ability test (IQ) Used as part of the eligibility components for gifted program and for subject area and grade level acceleration. Given in Oct. First, third, and fifth grade students take test Nationally normed so %tile scores can be compared to all students in nation Material on the test is not taught. Scores do not normally come back until late Nov. or Dec.

Iowa Test of Basic Skills Achievement test Test on concepts that are typically taught in school Used as part of the eligibility components for gifted program and for subject area and grade level acceleration Skills within a subject area are identified (Math Computation, Estimation, Problem solving, Geometry, etc.) May be used by teachers to identify areas of strength and weakness Nationally normed so %tile scores can be compared to all students in nation Administered to first, third and fifth grade students in Oct. Scores do not normally come back to school until late Nov. or Dec.

Criterion Referenced Competency Test GA Test Test to evaluate how well students have attained the skills outlined in the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for each grade level Test is specific to Georgia students Does not generate a %tile rank; students are compared to a criterion – does not meet, meets, or exceeds Use to determine AYP status for the school. Failure to make Adequate Yearly Progress can cause a school to be labeled as needs improvement.

How do we assist? New goals for Consolidated School Improvement Plan (CSIP) call for 5% increase in the % in level 3 in Rdg./ELA, Math, and Science. 10% increase in Social Studies

Social Studies Book list put on website More emphasis on characters in classroom Usual rebound after change from QCC to GPS

English Language Arts More direct instruction of grammar skills Writers workshops will continue Use of Daily Oral Language and grammar websites to have more drill on language skills Develop vocabulary used on CRCT so students are familiar with a variety of terms

Reading Continued emphasis on reading Orton-Gillingham training to strengthen teachers skills in assisting struggling emergent readers Emphasis on direct instruction of comprehension skills

Math Continued emphasis on learning math facts Emphasis on problem solving and math vocabulary Rigor for more capable students, remediation for those who struggle