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This information is based on a pamphlet provided by the Washington Commission on Student Learning.
Who will receive student scores and what will they look like?
Why is it important for the test to measure Washington's academic standards?
How well are students going to have to do on the tests to pass?
How do we know our children are learning all they need to know to perform well on these tests?
Isn't setting a standard for all students "dumbing down" the curriculum?
Why new tests? What's wrong with the tried and true?
The new tests will accurately measure the knowledge and skills outlined in the new state academic standards - the skills students will need to succeed in the 21st century. The old national tests do not test Washington's academic standards and therefore, cannot tell teachers and parents how well their students are performing. Additionally, the new tests will give us a more accurate picture of what students know and allow us to measure student learning in critical subject areas not measured by traditional tests, such as writing and communication.
What will the new tests look like?
The new tests are remarkably different than existing exams. Tests will shift from a multiple-choice only, bubble-in format to a more rigorous format requiring increased detail, explanation and work from students. Questions will include multiple-choice, short answer and extended written response. Students will be asked to complete charts, explain their reasoning and write longer responses. Examples of test questions can be found on the OSPI website and a booklet on the new tests is available from the Tahoma School District office.
When will the tests be administered?
Students will take the tests in the spring of their 4th, 7th and 10th grade school years.
Who will receive student scores and what will they look like?
Parents and teachers will receive scores for individual students. School districts will receive reports that compile results by classroom, school building and entire districts. Scores will measure not only a student's performance relative to the standard for each subject, but also provide information on strengths and weaknesses within a given subject, such as problem-solving in Math, or mechanics in Writing.
Why is it important for the test to measure Washington's academic standards?
The new academic standards will provide the core of what students learn in Washington's public schools. These standards represent what teachers, parents and other community members have determined students must acquire in order to succeed in the 21st century. It only makes sense to test those same standards.
How well are students going to have to do on the tests to pass?
Standards have been established by advisory groups of educators from across the state and are set high to measure complex skills. Initially, many students may not meet the standards because districts need time to align their curriculums.
What will happen to students who don't pass the test? Will they get another chance?
Decisions regarding what happens to a student who doesn't meet the standard are reserved for the student's parents, teacher and local school district. They know their students best and can better determine how to handle situations such as these when they arise.
How is scoring conducted and how can you be sure it is done objectively?
Tests will be individually scored by trained professionals from one of the country's most respected testing firms (National Computer Systems). Scoring individuals will be specifically trained in Washington's academic standards and must demonstrate they can work consistently and accurately before they are allowed to score any student response. Additionally, their work will be closely-monitored and checked. Any problems will be immediately addressed and corrected.
How do we know our children are learning all they need to know to perform well on these tests?
Teachers have been included throughout the development of new standards and assessments. Additionally, the state has provided more than $107 million in grants to local schools to train teachers and bring them up to speed on reform. The Tahoma district has made great efforts to align itself with the State EALRs. In this effort, they have established Grade Level Basic Skills and Continuums.
Isn't setting a standard for all students "dumbing down" the curriculum?
No. The accountability component to education reform will require that schools and students "Smarten Up" to the standard if they are not meeting it. Every child will be challenged by a new and rigorous system.
Last Updated Friday March 04, 2005
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