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Testing Your child may take many different kinds of tests in school. Teacher-made tests and textbook tests show how much your child has learned in that class and may cover one day’s work or a full semester. Diagnostic tests assess what your child knows or does not know before a subject is taught, so the teacher can plan appropriate instruction. Standardized tests compare students’ ability or achievement to a national group of students of the same age or at the same grade level. Criterion-referenced tests measure students’ achievement based upon a standard. Tests can be very useful in planning your child’s education, but they are only one way of evaluating your child’s performance or needs. If you have questions about the tests your child is taking or the scores, call the teacher or school counselor.
Test preparation Teachers provide instruction throughout the year to prepare your child to do well on tests. During the year, your involvement with your child’s school program and your support in your child’s learning also are important to your child’s success during testing. You can also help your child before testing in several ways: Be sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. See that your child has a good breakfast, to help get the day started right. Encourage your child to listen closely to the directions and to the amount of time allowed for each section. Be sure s/he has pencils and other equipment needed. Be sure your child arrives at school on time on test day. Avoid scheduling dental or medical appointments on testing days. Recognize the importance of the test but do not make your child nervous.
Cognitive Skills Assessment Battery (CSAB) The CSAB is administered to all children at the beginning of the first grade. This test measures your child’s readiness to begin school work. Your child must score at least 88 points of a possible 117 points to be considered ready. The teacher uses these test results to plan instruction.
Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) In grades 3-8, your child will take PACT math and English/language arts tests, which are administered statewide in South Carolina. The PACT tests are new and replace the Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) tests in grades 3-8. The BSAP exit exam will continue to be administered to all students in grade 10. Three-fourths of the questions on the PACT math and English/language arts tests are multiple choice. The rest of the questions require students to provide their own answers. Students may be asked to show their work on the math tests. On the English/language arts tests, students may be asked to write a short answer, write an essay, edit a paragraph or complete a chart or diagram. The PACT test results will be used to assist teachers in identifying your child’s strengths and any weaknesses the child may have. Three standards will be reported for the PACT test results: Basic; Proficient; and Advanced. Students who score below the Basic standard will receive extra assistance through an Academic Assistance Plan. The PACT test results also will be used for part of the decision to promote a student to the next grade.
High School Exit Exam In grade 10, your child will take Exit Exam reading, mathematics and writing, which are administered statewide in South Carolina. The state standard, 700, was established for reading and mathematics. In Exit Exam writing, your child writes a composition about a specific topic. Compositions that receive scores of 3 or 4 indicate writing that has met the state standard. Students who score below the state standards in any area of reading, mathematics or writing will be given special help. Passing all of the Exit Exam tests is a requirement for receiving a South Carolina High School Diploma.
Metropolitan
Achievement Tests (MAT-7) The MAT-7 and OLSAT are administered to all students in grade 2. The MAT-7 will compare your child’s achievement in reading, language skills and mathematics with the achievement of other children nationally. Scores from the MAT-7 and OLSAT tests are used as part of the criteria for identifying students for the Advanced Academic Program (AAP). The MAT-7 and OLSAT also may be administered to some students in other grades as necessary, to determine AAP program eligibility.
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) Students in grades 8-11 are encouraged to take the PSAT as practice for the SAT I and to attempt to qualify for scholarships. Students other than tenth–graders must pay for the test; tenth-grade students’ expenses will be paid by the district. The PSAT is administered in October. School guidance counselors have further information.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Grades 11 and 12 The SAT I and SAT II are offered by the College Board several times a year. They are designed to help predict academic performance in college. Most students who take the tests are seniors who are planning to go to college, and many colleges require the SAT I as part of their admissions process. Scores on the SAT I range from 200 to 800 on each of the two parts, math and verbal, so that the minimum possible combined score is 400 and the maximum is 1,600. Most students who take the test score between 350 and 590 on each part. The two sections of the test take about two–and–a–half hours. Some colleges also require students to take one or more SAT II Achievement Tests in specific subject areas. Each takes one hour; they are given in the afternoon following the SAT I in the morning. A student may take up to three Achievement Tests in one day. Scores range from 200 to 800. Students who are interested in going to college should discuss when to take the SAT with their school counselor in their junior year. |
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