Coming in April to a School Near You: Standardized Testing! - Mar 12, 2010 12:17 PM

We are fast approaching the release dates for this year’s much anticipated Standards Based Assessment (SBA).  Our Dryden students won’t want to miss what is sure to be a smash hit. The SBA stars Reading, Writing and Math for all students. In addition, the SBA age restricted version includes Science for our 8th grade students only.  Identification will be checked!

Students’ grade-level knowledge and our school’s Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) are determined by our students’ performance on the Standards Based Assessment.  Please mark the following dates on your calendars to help ensure attendance during all testing periods.

Grades 6th, 7th & 8th Standards Based Assessment
April 7th   – Science  (8th grade only)
April 13th – Reading
April 14th – Writing
April 15th – Math

Our students’ test results will be known before the end of the school year.  You will receive the results, and a copy of the results will be placed in each student’s academic folder that follows them to the high school.  These test results are considered in future placement decisions and opportunities, so it is critical that our students are at their best on the testing dates above.  I know you have heard some of it before, but let me share a few test taking preparation tips.

->  There is a fine line between pumping your child up about standardized testing and creating test anxiety.  We face the same challenge in the classroom.  Encourage her to do her best, but be careful not to build up too much pressure.

->  Start talking to your child a few days before the testing starts about how to prepare to do his best.  Together, mark the testing dates on the calendar at home or post them on the refrigerator.

->  Plan to have your student get a good night’s sleep every night of the testing period.

->  Ask your son or daughter what special breakfasts they would like on the testing mornings.  Plan the menus and put them on the calendar, too.  A happy, full child has a test advantage.

->  Send your children off to school on testing days with a big smile on their face!  A positive attitude and mental state will serve him well during testing.

->  Ask how the testing went each day.  Give her time to share some questions or test details.  Discuss some test taking strategies, such as the process of elimination if she is not sure of an answer.

Believe it or not, testing time can be fun!  Working as a team, we can set the stage for our students to demonstrate their knowledge during testing week.  If you have any test tips that have worked for your family, please let me know (millirot@jsd.k12.ak.us).  I will share them with our Floyd Dryden community in a newsletter article next year before the testing starts.

March 2010 Eagle Gazette (pdf only)

Floyd Dryden 2009/10 Bus Route Schedule (pdf)

2009 - 2010 Juneau School District Calendar (pdf)

Floyd Dryden Middle School Dress Code Information (pdf)

March Lunch Menu (pdf)

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