(SPS) -- State testing begins across the district in April, starting with high school testing the first two weeks of April. Elementary, middle and junior high school testing begins the week of April 17 and continues through May 11.
11th testing : Apr. 5, 6, 11, 13
3rd - 8th testing: Apr. 17 - 21 & Apr. 24 - 28
Elementary testing: May 1 - 5 & May 8 - 11
Your students' school(s) will contact you with specific dates and times for the testing windows and the testing subjects on those dates.
3rd - 8th graders will take English Language Arts and Math tests. Science is added for grades 5 and 8. 11th graders will take Science and U.S. History tests.
When it comes to testing, students may experience anxiety and heightened anxiety before a testing situation. A certain degree of test anxiety is normal and may help students prepare more effectively, work more efficiently, and remain focused during testing. Too much anxiety, however, can negatively affect performance.
Below are some strategies for you to help your child reduce their level of anxiety. We have also included a list of tips and study guides you can use to help your child prepare for testing, for the testing day itself, and after testing.
One more important note: Please make sure your child is on time and please understand children cannot leave once testing has started.
STUDY GUIDES AND PRACTICE TESTS
3rd - 5th Grade Testing Guides
6th - 7th Grade Testing Guides
8th Grade Testing Guides
11th Grade Testing Guide
Practice Tests (no log-in required, simply choose the appropriate test from the drop down)
STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING TEST ANXIETY
1. Discuss the test openly and in a positive way.
2. Have realistic expectations of your child's performance while encouraging his/her best efforts.
3. Emphasize that the test is only one measure of academic performance.
4. Emphasize that test scores do not determine a person's worth.
PARENT TEST-SUPPORT TIPS
Preparing for Testing
1. Note test dates on your home calendar; schedule appointments on non-testing days.
2. Encourage your child to take responsibility for homework and class study.
3. Help your child learn how to find information independently.
4. Praise your child for work done well.
5. Encourage your child to ask questions at home and in class.
6. Get to know your child's teachers.
7. Attend parent-teacher conferences.
8. Confer with teachers on a regular basis for progress reports.
9. Gather available test preparation materials.
10. Assure your child knows that you value a good education.
Testing Day
1. See that your child is rested and eats breakfast.
2. See that your child arrives at school on time and is relaxed.
3. Encourage your child to do the best work possible.
4. Do not send your child to school if illness is apparent.
5. Do not remove your child from school on test days for appointments.
After Testing
1. Examine all test reports sent home.
2. Determine areas of strengths and weaknesses.
3. Praise your child's testing strengths and make a plan to address identified weaknesses.
4. See your child's principal, counselor or teacher if additional information is required.