Search This Blog

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

ITEDS and ITBS tests shake up schedules

by Niamh Lyons
National laws require all schools to report student progress through the use of tests. The scores are then compared with national scores to see how Iowa ranks among the states. They are also used to identify at-risk schools. 
Therefore, students in seventh through eleventh grades are participating in ITBS and ITEDS testing this week. Seventh and eighth grade students are taking the Science, Math and Problem Solving, Math Concepts and Estimation, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary tests. Students in ninth through eleventh grades are taking Math Concepts and Problem Solving, Science, Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary tests. If a student misses a test, there will be make-up sessions on Friday.
With the exception of seniors, students are required to take these tests every year. The tests are used to measure how much the students know and provide staff with scores. These scores allow a teacher to recognize a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The test scores also help identify weak areas in a school’s curriculum. 
In the past, seniors have had to come to school while the other students were testing. The testing period is from 8:25 to 9:25 a.m., so seniors do not need to show up until 9:25. If seniors show up early, they must go to the library. The daily class schedule is adjusted to allow each class to meet. 

No comments: