Elementary Assessment Letter
September 2010
Dear Parent,
Beatrice Public Schools will be testing students over national, state, and district expectations throughout the school year. Through these assessments, the district can gain information about our students’ skill levels as well as areas for growth and enrichment. Students are assessed using various reading and math assessments, norm-referenced assessments, and other informal activities. The goal is that teachers can use this information to guide their instruction.
Students in grades 3-5 are assessed in Math and Reading during the school year for No Child Left Behind’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) reporting. The tests, called the Nebraska State Accountability tests, are administered during the month of April. Students in grade 4 are also assessed on the Nebraska State Accountability test for Writing (NeSA-W) in February. Assessments for Science and Social Studies are also administered throughout the year. Please check the Beatrice Public School’s website under Curriculum/Assessment for specific testing dates throughout the year: http://www.beatricepublicschools.org
Throughout the year, students in K-5 also take reading assessments, such as early and basic literacy skills assessments, the Gates MacGinitie Reading Assessment, and other assessments for literacy and math skills. Additionally, students’ performance in grades 3-5 is measured using nationally norm-referenced tests. Students in grade 3 take the InView (a test that measures cognitive ability) and the TerraNova (an academic achievement test), while students in grade 4-5 also take the TerraNova.
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to provide an excellent education for your child and our commitment to providing all students with the skills necessary for success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, building principal, or the Director of Curriculum & Assessment.
Sincerely,
Summer Stephens
Director of Curriculum & Assessment
