DECATUR -- In April, students of Northside Elementary in Decatur will once again participate in the Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) which is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education to all elementary and middle school students across the state.
"The ACTAAP focuses on testing to measure application of basic skills and problem-solving skills that are essential to the success of students in school" (Arkansas Department of Education April, 2014).
Students in grades 3-6 will take the Augmented Benchmark Examination April 7-11, while students in grades 1 and 2 will take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills exam April 1-3.
"The Iowa Tests are norm-referenced tests, which measures the performance of individual Arkansas students with the performance of students in the national norm group. These test results will identify those students who may be in need of additional instruction in language arts, mathematics and science as required by legislation. The results will also inform school and district curricular and instructional practices." (Arkansas Department of Education April, 2014)
Northside Elementary teachers held preparatory classes for parents March 6 on the Benchmark and Iowa tests. The purpose of these classes was to get parents involved in the testing process by providing helpful tips to better prepare their children for the exams.
The program encourages parents to take an active role in their child's education. By helping with homework, encouraging them to read, reviewing homework assignments and participating in parent-teacher conferences the students will be better prepared for these tests and other academic challenges they might face in the future.
Because of the recent snows that closed the Decatur district, 16 days of school were lost. These lost days cost the students valuable instruction time, time used to prepare them for these state tests. In an effort to regain these lost days the Decatur school board, administrators and teachers worked together to find ways to make up this time. They were able to use in-house service days and spring break to make up 10 of the days. The other days were waived by the Arkansas Board of Education.
Now the students of Northside Elementary are back on track preparing for the state test in April, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the entire Decatur School District.
For more information on the Benchmark and Iowa tests visit the Decatur school district website at: www.decatursd.com.
General News on 03/26/2014