2. State and Local Assessments Sept. 30, 2010 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. Berkmar Middle School Parent Center/Cafeteria Sponsored by BMS Parent Center Faciliator: Melissa Martin, PISC

3. State and Local Assessments Understanding Assessments and Promotion Requirements for 6 th, 7 th, 8 th grade

4. Purpose of GCPS Assessments Are students learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills – GCPS (AKS)? Are students learning the Criterion Referenced Competency Test – Georgia (CRCT)? Test scores are used for: Students – to promote success and improvement Parents – to assure parents students are learning required curriculum Teachers – to plan for effective instruction Students scores are compared against students in Gwinnett, Georgia, & Nationally

5. Assessments……. Are part of a daily routine Have many formats Help students review and retain knowledge!

6. Students demonstrate what they know and can do through Assessments.

7. Middle Grades Formal Assessments *Promotion Criteria Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8 CRCT – E/LA, RDG, MA, SC, & SS CRCT – E/LA*, RDG *, MA*, SC*, & SS* CRCT – E/LA,Rdg*, MA* SC, & SS ACCESS for ELL students *Gateway/Georgia Grade 8 Writing ITBS & CogAT Complete Battery EOCT - Algebra ACCESS for ELL students

8. MIDDLE SCHOOL TESTING DATES Sept. 20–24, 2010 Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Grade 8 Oct. 18–22, 2010 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Grade 8 Jan. 19, 2011 Georgia Writing Assessment Grade 8 Jan. 24–March 4, 2011 ACCESS for ELLs April 18–21 and April 25, 2011 Georgia Criterion- Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) –Grades 6–8 May 2–20, 2011 Georgia End of Course Test Window –Grade 8 –Accelerated Integrated Algebra I

9. 6 th Grade Promotion Requirement s Pass 4 out of 5 classes with a 70 average for both semesters. 2 of the 4 classes passed have to be LA and MA Connections classes being averaged as one grade each semester. Summer school may be available if a student does not earn promotion to 7 th grade. Students are expected to meet or exceed grade- level expectations on each CRCT subtest to be on track for success in school.

10. Note: For 6 th grade Special Ed or ESOL students A special education students promotion is determined by his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Promotion for a student with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is determined by his or her AKS Modification and Intervention Plan.

11. 7 th Grade Promotion Requirements Pass CRCT mathematics Pass CRCT reading Pass CRCT language arts Pass CRCT science Pass CRCT social studies If the student fails a subject on the test and has received at least a C semester average on the report card all year in that subject, an appeal can be filed by the school on the students behalf.

12. Note: For 7 th Grade Special Ed or ESOL students A special education students promotion is determined by his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Promotion for a student with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is determined by his or her AKS Modification and Intervention Plan, or by recommendation of the English Language Learner (ELL)/Test Participation Committee.

13. 8 th Grade Promotion Requirements Pass 4 out of 5 classes with a 70 average for 2 semesters ( LA and math must be 2 of the 4.) Connections classes being averaged as one grade each semester. Pass CRCT Rdg * State Requirement Pass CRCT Math * State Requirement Pass Gateway/Georgia 8 Writing TestJan. 19, 2011 If the student fails Rdg/LA and/or Math on the CRCT they will be required to take the Summer CRCT retest for promotion. For students who do not pass the summer retest there is the possibility of a review for promotion to 9 th Grade

14. Note for 8 th Grade Special Ed or ESOL students A special education students promotion is determined by his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP). If a student learning English is not successful on the Reading and Mathematics CRCT subtests (a state promotion requirement), the student must take a retest for the failed subtest(s) during summer school. If the student does not pass the retest(s), a Student Support Team will determine the students placement for the next school year.

15. How can your child pass the 8 th grade? Student must earn a minimum of a 70 average each semester in 4 out of 5 subjects (two of which must be math and language arts). Connections Student must pass both semesters of a class to pass that class for the year. Student must earn a passing score on the Middle Grades Writing Assessment. Student must achieve passing scores on the math and reading subtests of the CRCT.

16. CRCT 7 th – Required to pass MA, E/LA, RDG & SC, SS 8 th – Required to pass RDG & MA CRCT (Criterion-Referenced Competency Test)=a score of 800 or higher is passing Test all subjects – LA, MA, SC, SS Measure students knowledge of state curriculum (QCC/GPS) Given April 18-21, and April 25 2011

17. CRCT Dates Monday April 18th: Reading Tuesday April 19th: ELA Wednesday April 20th: Math Thursday April 21st: Science Monday April 25th: Social Studies

18. Georgia 8 Writing Assessment in grade 8 Required to pass A state mandated writing assessment administered in Grade 8 Evaluation of every students response to a prompt Is a requirement for promotion in GCPS

19. Tips for parents at test time Keep to your regular schedule Encourage your child to do his/her best. Help your child prepare for testing. Make sure your child attends school on test days.

20. Tips for parents at test time After the test, let your child know that you appreciate that he/she did his/her best. Contact your childs teacher if special circumstances may have affected test performance. Be familiar with the testing schedule.

21. Test taking tips for students Before the test Get plenty of rest the night before. Eat a nutritious breakfast. Wear comfortable clothes Arrive to school on time. Relax If stressed out do the following: –Slow down & relax –Take slow deep breathes –Close your eyes and think positive –Be prepared

22. Test taking tips for students During the test Listen & follow directions. Mark your answers in the right place. Take your time & read carefully Read all written directions. Think about your answers. Know these terms: –Synonyms –Antonyms –Estimate –Infer –Explain your answer

23. Test taking tips for students After the test. Go back and review if you have time. Check that you have answered every question. If you find a mistake, erase completely and carefully. Check for any stray marks and erase them.

24. For more information Berkmar Middle School Parent Center Melissa Martin Parent Instructional Support Coordinator Location: Room 1.209 Hours: 8:15-4:15, Monday-Friday Melissa_Martin@gwinnett.k12.ga.us 770-638-2310 ** You can also contact your childs counselor or administrator if you have specific questions about promotion. Georgia PIRC Parent Information Resource Center Metro Atlanta Region: Communities in Schools of Georgia 600 West Peachtree Street, Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30308 Julie Hollis, Director jhollis@cisgeorgia.org (800) 838-5784