It is time to sharpen those #2 pencils! We know from experience that teachers evaluate students by observing them in the classroom, evaluating their day-to-day class work, grading their homework assignments and special projects, and administering unit tests. These classroom assessments show the teacher how well a student is mastering grade level learning goals, and provide valuable information to the teacher that can be used to improve instruction. Standardized tests are yet another tool that is used to evaluate how students in a given class or school perform in relation to other students. Since the same test is given to a large number of students throughout the country, the results give school personnel a common yardstick or “standard” of measure to determine whether school programs are succeeding, as well as a “snapshot” of the skills and abilities of all its students.

As you know, Terra Nova testing begins today (Monday, September 19th ). Testing is for all students in Grades 2 through 8. The Terra Nova is a standardized achievement test taken by students nationwide. Most of us are well aware that these test results do not equal intelligence. The main purpose of the test is to provide the school with information that can be used to help teachers make sound educational decisions about student learning and curriculum development. The score results allow us to monitor our students’ annual growth, and also help us identify areas of achievement as well as needed areas of meaningful improvement. Our commitment to our students inspires us to want to provide the strongest and most effective instruction possible. Standardized testing is an important component in the data that is continuously disaggregated and analyzed as learning outcomes are being measured. We ask you to have your children arrive at school on time this week. Taking tests can be hard work – requiring lots of energy. We recommend that students get plenty of rest and eat a nourishing breakfast and lunch on test days. As always, thank you for your support and cooperation!