IOWA TESTING November 2004

The Iowa is a norm based test This means a sample group of students takes the test. This means a sample group of students takes the test. When you take the test, you are compared to the sample group. When you take the test, you are compared to the sample group. The Terra Nova is a similar test. The Terra Nova is a similar test.

Why do we test? The state requires it. The state requires it. We use it for course placement. We use it for course placement. It tells us whether we need to make changes It tells us whether we need to make changes High schools use it for admissions and course placement High schools use it for admissions and course placement

What do we do with the scores? Teachers analyze and change what they teach Teachers analyze and change what they teach Label placed on permanent record Label placed on permanent record Report sent home to parents Report sent home to parents They do NOT count in any class grade. They do NOT count in any class grade. They do NOT fail you. They do NOT fail you.

What do all these numbers mean, Mrs. Kovacic? A percentile does NOT equal percent. A percentile does NOT equal percent. A percentile means you scored as better than, or as well as, that % of people. A percentile means you scored as better than, or as well as, that % of people. If you scored in the 50 th percentile, you scored the same or better than 50% of the people who took the test. This would be an average score. If you scored in the 50 th percentile, you scored the same or better than 50% of the people who took the test. This would be an average score.

THINK How did I feel about the Iowa test before I took it? How did I feel about the Iowa test before I took it? Anxious? Nervous? Dreaded it? Didn’t care? Saw it as a challenge? Was too sleepy or hungry to concentrate?

If you felt... then you Anxious, nervous Anxious, nervous Apathetic Apathetic Challenged Challenged may have rushed through may have rushed through not worked carefully, zoomed through the test, just filled in answers not worked carefully, zoomed through the test, just filled in answers worked carefully, checked your work worked carefully, checked your work

The MOST important question is Was that the best I can do?

ISAT 2005 Testing begins Tues., March 8. Testing begins Tues., March 8. 7 th grade tests in science only. 7 th grade tests in science only. 8 th grade tests in reading and math. 8 th grade tests in reading and math. 6 th grade does not test this year. 6 th grade does not test this year. Next year, everyone takes reading and math. Next year, everyone takes reading and math.

ISAT Test Standards based test – score based on how many you get correct, not how you compare to others. Standards based test – score based on how many you get correct, not how you compare to others. 1. Academic warning 2. Below standards 3. Meets standards 4. Exceeds standards

Reading Test 3 sessions, 40 minutes each 3 sessions, 40 minutes each 64 multiple choice questions 64 multiple choice questions 2 extended response questions 2 extended response questions Math Test 3 sessions, 45 minutes (2) 40 minutes (1) 3 sessions, 45 minutes (2) 40 minutes (1) 78 multiple choice questions 78 multiple choice questions 2 extended response questions 2 extended response questions Can use calculator + formula sheet, no scratch paper Can use calculator + formula sheet, no scratch paper

Science test 2 sessions, 35 minutes each 2 sessions, 35 minutes each 70 multiple choice questions 70 multiple choice questions

We even made the teachers and the parents take the ISAT.

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING Take this on as a challenge Take this on as a challenge Everything you do counts Everything you do counts