Learning about testing: the SBAs and HSGQE Revised 2/16/2010

SBA = Standards Based Assessment Testing is required by the State of Alaska’s Department of Ed. The SBAs are given every spring. SBAs test in math, reading, and writing, for students in grades 3 – 10. Science is tested in grades 4, 8, and 10 only.

HSGQE = High School Graduation Qualifying Exam To graduate with a diploma, high school students must pass the HSGQE. Who takes the HSGQE? –All 10 th grade students will be taking the HSGQE for the first time. –11 th and 12 th graders who have not yet taken the HSGQE. –11 th and 12 th graders who have not passed one or more sections of the HSGQE.

When Is the Testing? On April 6 - 8, 2010 all students in grades 3 – 10 will be taking the SBAs. Students in 10 th grade will also take the HSGQE. Many students in grades 11 and 12 will be taking the HSGQE. On April 9 nd, students in the 4 th, 8th, and 10 th grade will take the SBA in science. Students can take the whole day to finish each test, there is no time limit.

How can I help my child do his or her best on testing days? Testing days can be stressful at school, so what you do at home is important! –Be at school every testing day and on time. –Early to bed for a good night’s sleep! –Enjoy a nutritious breakfast. –Let your child know you are proud of him/her.

What if my child is sick on testing days? If your child is sick and unable to attend school on testing days, makeup days for the SBA’s are through April 18 th. There are no makeup days for the HSGQE. Schools are penalized if not all students are tested, so please make sure your child attends school on testing days, unless of course your child is sick.

Why are these tests so important? –The SBA’s show how well a child is progressing in math, reading, writing, and science. –Schools use this information to provide extra help to individual students or groups of students who are behind in their learning. –Each school’s test results are used by the state to tell if a school is successful in teaching all students.

The HSGQE tells whether a student will graduate from high school with a diploma or certificate of attendance.

SBA reports will show a lot of information, but the key words to look for in reading, writing, math, and science are the following: –“Advanced” means your child is working above grade level expectations. –“Proficient” means your child is working at grade level expectations. –“Below Proficient” means your child is working below grade level expectations. –“Far Below Proficient” means the child is working far below grade level expectations.

What will the HSGQE report show? The HSGQE report will show which tests the student passed or failed. If a student does not pass all three tests, he or she can retake the test the following year. –Any passed test(s) will not need to be taken again. –Any failed test(s) can be retaken.

When can my child retake the HSGQE? The HSGQE is offered in both the fall and spring of 11 th and 12 th grades. If a child has dropped out of school, he or she can receive a high school diploma upon completing a GED and passing the HSGQE. A student may continue taking the HSGQE after high school until all parts are passed.

Your Involvement Makes A Difference! 30 years of research has consistently linked family involvement to: –higher student achievement –lower dropout rates –better attitudes towards school

Parent Involvement In the School Attend school events. Talk with your child’s teachers if you have a concern. If your child is below proficient, ask the teacher about extra help at school, free tutoring, and/or summer school opportunities.

Parent Involvement At Home Take time to talk about school, friends, etc. Be supportive, positive, and encouraging. Let your child know how important it is that he or she does well in school. Help your child set short and long term goals for school, college, specialized training, etc. Set aside time for reading and/or homework each day.

Questions, Comments, and Evaluation

ANCHORAGE Alaska Parent Information and Resource Center Julie Jessal, Project Coordinator 805 W. 3 rd Ave Anchorage, Alaska JUNEAU Alaska Parent Information and Resource Center Julie Staley, Project Director 210 Ferry Way Juneau, Alaska