1. PREPARING FOR STAAR KMS 2016

2. 7 TH GRADE S TAAR TESTING DATES Tuesday, March 29: Writing

3. 8 TH GRADE STAAR TESTING DATES Tuesday, March 29: Math (8 th grade ACADEMIC Math students) Wednesday, March 30: Reading Tuesday, March 29: Algebra 1 students will take an Algebra I EOC Benchmark test.

4. A LGEBRA S TUDENTS 8 th grade students enrolled in Pre-AP Algebra 1 will NOT be taking the Math 8 STAAR on Tuesday, March 29. All 8 th grade Pre-AP Algebra 1 students will report to the Lego Gym at 8:30am. You will take an Algebra I EOC Benchmark. Students will need to bring a sack lunch or order a sack lunch from the cafeteria. Lunch will be eaten in the Lego Gym from 12:00-12:30.

5. T IMED ASSESSMENT Students will have 4 hours to complete each STAAR exam. If a student needs to use the restroom or take some other type of break during testing, that time will be included in the 4-hour time limit. (Time will not stop for that break.) The 4-hour time limit will stop for lunch (see slide 9 for more information). If a student needs to take medication during the testing period, the nurse will deliver meds to the testing rooms. If a student has an emergency (throwing up, fainting, etc.), time will stop for that student.

6. LATE ARRIVALS If a student arrives after testing has begun, he or she will not be allowed to test that day. Alternate testing arrangements will be made. Please, please, please make every effort to ensure your student is present and on time!

7. TESTING SCHEDULES Bell Schedules will be modified each day of the week to accommodate testing and will be posted on the KMS website.

9. LUNCH Please pack a lunch for each testing day. Lunches will be eaten in Testing Centers with testing teachers. Lunches are silent. Be sure to include a drink in your lunch (refrigeration will not be available). Students will not have access to microwaves. Lunch does not count toward the 4-hour time limit.

10. E LECTRONIC DEVICES Electronic devices are prohibited in the testing rooms. This includes cell phones, tablets, smart watches, Fitbits, iPods, etc. Students have several options for their devices: Leave it at home. Turn it off and put it in your locker. Turn it off and hand it in to your testing teacher. The teacher will label your phone with your name and turn it in to the office for safekeeping. When a cell phone is turned in to the office, it will be returned at the end of testing.

11. T ESTING CENTERS Testing Center lists will be posted in hallways by Monday, March 28.

12. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Please...... be PRESENT and ON TIME for assessment days.... eat a nutritious BREAKFAST each testing day.... bring #2 pencils (NO mechanical pencils and NO pens).... dress comfortably, and layer for temperature control.... bring a book (not a textbook) (the day before, if possible) to read when you are done testing.... do not discuss test content with anyone (after testing, at home, during passing periods, etc.)

13. DON’T SWEAT IT! How do you prepare to have a “snapshot” done? You try to look your best. You smile. You don’t stress about it. Think of STAAR as a snapshot of your learning this year. Do your best. Be confident. Don’t stress about it.

14. RELAXATION TECHNIQUES Practice deep breathing (counting to 10 with each breath). Practice positive self-talk. “I will do my best work and will celebrate my excellent score!” Visualize your Testing Center while thinking positively: What will the room look like? Imagine what the booklets or answer documents will be like. Picture your Confidential Student Report (score sheet) with an excellent score. If you get stuck while taking the test, take a moment to breathe deeply and think positively!

15. KMS COMANCHES ROCK!