Testing, Testing. Testing…
On April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, Steller will focus on testing students’ proficiency in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. This year we will also test the science proficiency for grades 8 and 10. We will use two tests: the Alaska Standards-Based Assessments (SBAs) and the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE). The SBAs will be given to grades 7 through 9, and the HSGQE will be given to our sophomores. Juniors and Seniors who have not previously passed all three subsets of the HSGQE would also test.
The SBAs measure individual student performance as well as determine whether individual schools meet the criteria under the No Child Left Behind Act.
The Alaska HSGQE (High School Graduation Qualifying Exam) is a proficiency-based test that measures the “minimum competencies of essential skills.” To receive a diploma at graduation, students must pass all three subsets of the HSGQE (reading, writing, and mathematics). Testing begins in 10th grade. If a student fails to pass all the subsets during their sophomore year, they will be given the chance to retake the portions they failed.
Sophomores take a combined SBA/HSGQE for Reading, Writing, and Math. The Science test that sophomores take is not a part of the HSGQE and passing it is not required for graduation. It is part of the SBA which is a federal requirement.
Neither the SBAs nor the HSGQE are timed tests. Testing times begin at 8:30 a.m. on each of the testing days and are expected to take about three hours.
Students who are making progress but have not completed the session within that time will be given as much time as they need to finish within the same testing day.
Parents are asked to help by having their students rested and ready for testing on testing days. Eating a nutritious breakfast is important. Please have your student to school on time and avoid scheduling appointments which may conflict with the testing on April 1, 2, and 3 (and April 4th for 8th and 10th graders).
We will receive test results for 10th-11th graders on May 27th, and the results will be mailed to parents/guardians as soon as possible.
Cell phones, ipods and other electronics are not allowed in the testing rooms. Please consider leaving them at home that day. Instead, bring magazines or books to fill the time in-between tests when you finish early. You may bring a snack and bottled water or juice.
Testing is a month away and the District is training Principals and Test Administrators. Final test schedules will not be finalized until after Spring Break, so please listen for robot calls and check the Parents’ Website for updated information.