{"id":14439,"date":"2017-10-05T15:32:37","date_gmt":"2017-10-05T21:32:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animashighschool.com\/staging\/?p=14439"},"modified":"2017-10-05T15:32:37","modified_gmt":"2017-10-05T21:32:37","slug":"standardized-testing-at-ahs-for-2017-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animashighschool.com\/staging\/2017\/10\/05\/standardized-testing-at-ahs-for-2017-18\/","title":{"rendered":"Standardized Testing at AHS for 2017-18"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Osprey Students and Families,<\/span>
\nAt Animas High School, we use a multifaceted approach to assess student learning; in addition to traditional methods such as papers, quizzes and exams, our assessment toolbox includes innovative strategies like Exhibitions, Student-Led Conferences and Presentations of Learning. \u00a0We strive for authentic assessment in our work with students, emphasizing real-world tasks that demonstrate meaningful application of essential skills and knowledge, in front of authentic audiences.<\/span>
\nStandardized tests are a piece of the assessment puzzle, too, as they provide data that helps us examine student growth and how we\u2019re doing as a school. \u00a0The SAT and ACT play an important role in determining college options for our students, and we are pleased that our students\u2019 scores on the SAT are \u201csignificantly better than their peers,\u201d as reported in <\/span>this recent article<\/span><\/a> in <\/span>The Durango Herald<\/span><\/i>.<\/span>
\nThe Colorado Department of Education requires that all public schools administer certain standardized tests at specific grade levels each school year. \u00a0Each year, we see some shifts in which tests we administer to our students, and we want to be sure to keep you all up to date. \u00a0The world of standardized testing is filled with acronyms and can be a bit challenging to navigate, but we\u2019re here to help, and we\u2019re happy to answer questions as you make your way through it all.<\/span>
\n2017-18 Standardized Tests per Grade Level<\/b>
\nThis year, our <\/span>9th graders<\/b> will take <\/span>PSAT8\/9<\/span><\/a> on April 10, which will take about 3 hours for students to complete.<\/span>
\nOur <\/span>10th graders<\/b> will take the <\/span>PSAT10<\/span><\/a> on April 10, which will take approximately 3.75 hours. \u00a0Sophomores also have the <\/span>option<\/span><\/i> to take the <\/span>PSAT\/NMSQT<\/span><\/a> at AHS with the juniors on October 11, though this is certainly not required. \u00a0Those who are interested in this option should register with Dusty Grannis, our IT Director and Assessment Coordinator. \u00a0There will be a $14 fee which the individual family will need to pay. \u00a0\u00a0We have limited spots available for sophomores, and will fill them on a first-come-first-served basis.<\/span>
\nOur <\/span>11th graders<\/b> will take the <\/span>PSAT\/NMSQT<\/span><\/a> on October 11 and the <\/span>SAT<\/span><\/a> on April 10. \u00a0The PSAT will take approximately 2.75 hours, and the SAT will be about 3 hours long. \u00a0For juniors, PSAT scores are used to determine qualification for the <\/span>National Merit Scholarship<\/span><\/a>. \u00a0Juniors will also take the <\/span>CMAS<\/span><\/a> Science tests on April 17; the CMAS exam is about 4 hours long.<\/span>
\nWe do not plan to administer any standardized tests for our <\/span>12th graders<\/b>.<\/span>
\nIn addition, we will administer the <\/span>ACCESS<\/span><\/a> language proficiency assessment to our English Language Learners January 8 through February 9.<\/span>
\nAll of these assessments will be administered online rather than with pencil and paper; we have determined, in consultation with staff and parents, that this is the most efficient and effective method and the AHS Board of Directors has approved this decision. \u00a0There is no cost to families for any of these tests, with the exception of sophomores who choose to take the PSAT\/NMSQT on October 11. \u00a0All tests listed above will be administered during regular school hours on campus.<\/span>
\nPreparing for the Tests<\/b>
\nStatistically speaking, our students perform above state and national averages on college entrance exams, and we believe that being engaged in their learning is a key contributing factor. \u00a0Our teachers are intentional in the way they teach content and skills that the ACT and SAT measure, and this has proven to be successful.<\/span>
\nThat said, there are many resources available for students to do independent preparation beyond what we offer during the school day at AHS, some for free and some with a cost attached. \u00a0Kahn Academy has partnered with College Board to offer online test prep that is free and personalized; you can access that <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. \u00a0For more resources, visit the Assessment page on the AHS website <\/span>here<\/span><\/a> or the \u201ctesting\u201d tab on AHS College Counselor Jess Adams\u2019 digital portfolio <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
\nBeing familiar with the format of the test and doing a few<\/span> practice tests<\/span><\/a> ahead of time can help students improve their scores. \u00a0Arriving on the day of testing well rested and fed, helps, too!<\/span>
\nAccessing and Understanding Individual Test Scores<\/b>
\nThe fastest way to access PSAT and SAT scores is by creating student accounts on the College Board website and then checking there about three weeks after taking the exam. \u00a0Students will always receive scores before the school does for college entrance exams. <\/span>
\nStudents and families can access individual scores for standardized tests through <\/span>Infinite Campus<\/span><\/a>, under the assessment tab. \u00a0To learn more about how to interpret scores, you may:<\/span><\/p>\n