Tests measure student progress

By Jerry Ness | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, May 14, 2008

In education, the signs of spring come in the form of testing, not warmer weather, rain or flowers. Our school district’s curriculum director, Carri Thompson, has provided a summary of the tests used by our district to measure student achievement and performance, identify appropriate levels of instruction and improve curriculum, instruction and accountability.

Minnesota Basic Skills Tests (BST) or Graduation Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD):

BST and GRAD are the state tests that fulfill Minnesota’s high school graduation requirements. BST are for students now in grades 11-12. GRAD are for students who first entered grade 8 in 2005-06 or later. These tests measure student performance on essential skills in writing, reading and mathematics for success in the 21st century, and there are retest opportunities for students who do not initially pass the tests. The GRAD is first administered in grade 9 for written composition, grade 10 for reading and grade 11 for math.

Minnesota Compre-hensive Assessments-Series II (MCA-II):

The MCA-IIs are state-developed tests in reading for all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 10, and math for all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. New this year is a computer-delivered science MCA for grades 5, 8 and 10. They meet the accountability requirements of the federal “No Child Left Behind” legislation. The MCA-IIs are used to measure student achievement with regard to the Minnesota Academic Standards, and in addition the MCA-II results can be used to guide curriculum decisions at the district and school levels. The state uses these test results as one factor in determining whether schools are making adequate academic progress.

STAR:

Students in grades 3-9 are given STAR tests to determine their reading level. The questions continually adjust to each student’s responses on this computerized test, and it allows teachers to match students with books that will challenge them without frustrating them and monitor individual growth in comprehension and vocabulary.

Presidential Physical Fitness Test:

This test is given in physical education classes in grades 2-8 and measures abdominal strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, upper body strength and endurance, muscular flexibility and total body coordination.

Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (MAP):

The computerized MAP reading, math and language tests are tailored to each student’s achievement level and are used in kindergarten through 8th grade to measure personal growth in academic achievement. The tests help monitor student progress toward state and district standards, provide instructional focus, place students in appropriate instructional settings, and screen students for Title I eligibility or special education services.

Advanced Placement Program Exams:

AP exams are offered to high school students who complete advanced coursework in calculus, physics, world history or U.S. history. Passing these exams offers the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at some colleges and universities.

ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System:

The EXPLORE test for grade 8 provides students with information for high school planning and career exploration.

The PLAN test for grade 10 measures current academic development, explores career/training options, and helps students make plans for their remaining high school years and beyond.

Jerry Ness is the superintendent of the Fergus Falls School District. His column runs Wednesdays.