RCS Testing Newsletter

K - 2 Assessments

Throughout the year, students in Grades K - 2 are assessed in English Language Arts and Math to monitor progress and to assist teachers in making instructional decisions.

Check In's 2.0

The purpose of the Check In's 2.0 formative assessment is to familiarize students and teachers with the process and format of the EOG and EOC tests. The practice tests will inform teachers of the skills mastered and those that would require re-teaching and/or remediation.

Beginning of 3rd Grade (BOG 3) Assessment

This assessment of reading for all Grade 3 students is used to identify students in need of assistance in reading.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

The Cognitive Abilities test measures both general and specific reasoning abilities. The development of these abilities is influenced by the student's in-school and out-of-school experiences.

Read to Achieve

This assessment of reading is administered to students in Grade 3 who do not achieve a proficient score on the Grade 3 ELA End of Grade test.

EOG Tests are designed to measure Grades 3 - 8 student performance on the goals & objectives specified by NC State Standards. There are two parts to the test, Reading & Math. Reading is assessed by having students read selections & then answer questions directly related to the selections. Math is measured by having students solve content math problems. Grades 5 & 8 also take a Science Test which requires students to demonstrate knowledge of important principles and concepts, understand and interpret laboratory activities and relate scientific information to everyday situations.

End of Course (EOC) Tests

At the end each semester, students in Math 1, Math 3, Biology & English II take a state assessment. These tests are based on NC Curriculum Standards. EOC scores count as part of the student's final course grade.

ACT

Grade 10 Pre-ACT: The PreACT is a multiple choice exam that familiarizes students with the ACT which features questions in 4 areas: English, Math, Reading & Science.

Grade 11 ACT: The ACT measures general educational development in core subjects that students typically study through 11th grade (English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science) & student ability to complete college-level work.

Grade 12 Concentrators ACT Work Keys: The WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate measures & certifies essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries & occupations. The NCRC is an assessment-based credential issued at 4 levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, & Bronze.

The WIDA Online Screener Placement Test will be administered to all initially enrolled language minority students. This test functions as a screener that is used for the initial identification and English as a Second Language (ESL) program placement for students who are identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP). Every initially enrolled student identified as a language minority student by the Home Language Survey process will be assessed on the WIDA Screener to determine if he/she is identified as Limited English Proficient. ACCESS for EL's is a secure assessment given annually during the spring semester. This test is used to satisfy state and federal requirements for the annual assessment of the English language proficiency of English language learners.

• Communicate regularly with your child's teacher.
• Ask what they suggest you do at home to help your child strengthen academic skills.
• Make sure your child does all of his/her homework & assignments which will help ensure your child is prepared.
• Mark down test dates on your calendar so both you and your child are aware of important dates.
• Encourage your child to do well, but don't pressure him/her. It is important for the child to stay relaxed during the test.
• Keep a positive attitude with your child about the tests.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep, especially on the night before the test.
• Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast on test days.
• Make sure your child gets to school on time.