Understanding School Testing: What Every Parent Should Know

Schools use specific terminology when discussing different types of evaluations:

What Are Standardized Tests?

Standardized tests are uniform assessments where all students answer the same questions under identical conditions. These tests provide consistent measurements that allow for comparison across students, schools, and districts.

Common Standardized Tests in K-12 Education

• State Achievement Tests: Required annually in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
• PSAT/NMSQT: Taken in 10th and 11th grades (now digital and adaptive).
• OLSAT: Measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• ISEE/SSAT: Used for private school admissions.
• State-specific tests: STAAR (Texas), ISASP (Iowa).

Benefits of Standardized Testing

• Provides objective measurements of student achievement.
• Allows for comparison across different schools and districts.
• Helps identify areas where curriculum improvements are needed.
• Gives parents insight into their child's academic progress relative to peers.

Classroom Understanding Checks: Regular quizzes and tests to assess comprehension of lessons taught in class.

Start-of-Year Snapshots: Early-year tests to gauge prior knowledge and set a learning baseline.

Learning Journey Checkpoints: Periodic assessments throughout the year to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.

Year-End Growth Measures: Assessments given at the end of the school year to evaluate overall learning and growth.

State Required Assessments: Standardized tests administered in specific grades to ensure students meet state learning standards.

Common Core Assessments: Tests aligned with the Common Core State Standards that evaluate students' proficiency in core subjects such as math and English language arts. These assessments focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, reflecting real-world applications of knowledge.

What Are Computer Adaptive Tests?

Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) are assessments that adjust question difficulty based on the test-taker’s responses. Correct answers result in more challenging questions, while incorrect answers prompt easier ones.

Common Computer Adaptive Tests in K-12 Education

• MAP Growth: Measures progress in reading, math, and language arts.
• STAR Assessments: Used for reading and math evaluation.
• iReady Diagnostic: Covers math and reading skills.
• FastBridge: Assesses reading, math, and social-emotional learning.
• Digital SAT/PSAT: College entrance exams using adaptive technology.

Benefits of Computer Adaptive Testing

• More efficient testing with fewer questions.
• Precise measurement of abilities.
• Reduces frustration by adapting question difficulty.
• Immediate feedback and results.

Tests are not just for assigning grades. Early assessments help teachers understand existing knowledge and identify areas needing support.

How Testing Changes Over Time

Elementary School: Tests mainly track progress and inform instruction, typically not affecting grades.

Middle and High School: Tests increasingly influence final grades, and some are required for graduation.

What It Means for Your Child

Better Teaching: Data from tests helps teachers focus on areas that need reinforcement.

Opportunities: Test results may determine eligibility for advanced classes or special programs.

Reassurance: Tests are just one tool among many for guiding instruction and understanding your child's progress.

Gifted and talented testing helps identify elementary students who demonstrate advanced abilities or exceptional skills. These assessments ensure that talented students receive the appropriate educational challenges and enrichment opportunities they need to thrive.

Common Gifted Testing Methods for Elementary School Students:

Cognitive Ability Tests: Such as the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), which measures reasoning and problem-solving skills. Other test are the NNAT at CAT4.

Achievement Tests: Such as the OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test), assessing both verbal and nonverbal abilities.

Creativity Assessments: Evaluating original thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Teacher and Parent Recommendations: Providing insights into advanced academic or creative potential.

College placement tests help determine readiness for college-level work and are often required for admission and scholarships. Common tests include:

SAT: Digital and adaptive, focusing on reading, writing, and math.

ACT: Covers English, math, reading, and science (moving to a shorter online format in 2025).

CLT: An alternative assessment with a classical education focus.

TEAS: Used by many community colleges for nursing program placement.

PERT: The State of Florida's own college assessment