Dear Parent or Guardian, 4-27-17
Starting on May 2nd, PAML’s students in
grades five through eight will begin taking the Smarter Balanced
Assessments of English Language Arts and Mathematics (SBAC). The tests, which
are administered on the computer and take approximately 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours to complete each day.
Math: 5/2/17 - 5/4/17 (3 days)
English Language Arts: 5/9/17 - 5/12/17 (4 days)
Attendance is important during the testing window, although there will be make-up opportunities for students if they are sick or absent. Students' daily schedules will be modified during the testing window.
At the conclusion of testing for all schools in the state, school
leaders will be able to access individual student reports that will be
forwarded to parents on a date determined locally. These reports will give
parents information on how well their student(s) achieved in relation to a
common set of statewide academic standards. However, parents need to keep in
mind that the tests provide only a broad overview of growth and success, and
that results are most useful when viewed in the context of other data gathered
by the teacher or the school. The primary purpose of the testing program is to
provide parents and community members with the combined results for all the
student in the school, and for major student groups, as one gauge of how well
the school is meeting the educational needs of all its students.
I want to assure you that we see your children as more than a "test score." This is one measure of a multitude of measures for us to know and teach your children.
Computer-based testing provides students with a variety of
innovative formats, tools, and accessibility options. These options include the
following:
·
All testing is administered using a secure
online assessment system that includes a variety of tools and technology
enhanced test questions that will improve the assessment experience for our
students.
·
Foremost among the new technologies is Computer
Adaptive Testing or CAT. CAT selects a unique set of test questions for each
student that will produce very precise results in less time than the last
generation of pencil and paper tests.
·
In addition to the CAT portion of the test,
students will also participate in a hands-on, minds-on performance task that
permits students to use their skills on an authentic and engaging challenge.
·
The assessment also includes an array of
embedded accessibility tools for special populations – features such as read
aloud, color and contrast choices, expandable reading passages, key word
translation glossaries, American Sign Language translation, Braille, and many
other tools.
·
Because the test is administered on a computer,
student results will be returned to schools very quickly. We can expect school
scores by mid-June and we can expect to receive individual student scores
before that.
Please note that Vermont’s test
delivery system uses state of the art security features that will protect our
students’ privacy, and will adhere to all federal and state confidentiality
regulations, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA).
To learn more about Smarter Balanced, log on to the VT
Smarter Balanced Assessment Portal where you will find additional information
for parents, as well as practice tests that will allow you to try out the test
your student will be taking this spring. Here is the link: http://vt.portal.airast.org/
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a
call.
Karen Weeks
Karen Weeks, Principal
Peoples Academy Middle Level
202 Copley Ave.
Morrisville, VT 05661
karen.weeks@lssuvt.org
802.888.1401
Peoples Academy Middle Level
202 Copley Ave.
Morrisville, VT 05661
karen.weeks@lssuvt.org
802.888.1401
PAML Principal's NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENT BLOG - check it out: pamlnewsandannouncements.
