Testing

• ACCESS for ELLs - An annual assessment designed specifically for students who are still learning English. It helps measure how well your child is progressing in their English language skills.  The test focuses on four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  This allows educators to see how your child is comprehending English in class discussions, understanding written materials, and expressing themselves clearly.  The results of the ACCESS for ELLs test are used to place your child in the appropriate level of English Language Learner (ELL) program and track their progress over time. This ensures they receive the targeted support they need to become proficient in English and succeed in all their school subjects.

• ACT/PSAT/SAT - Both the SAT and ACT are college entrance exams used by many schools to assess your reading, writing, and math skills and see if you're prepared for college-level work. Strong scores can boost your chances of getting into competitive programs and snag merit-based scholarships. The PSAT, typically taken in 10th or 11th grade, is like a practice run for the SAT. Doing well on the PSAT can also qualify you for scholarships.

• AP Exams - AP exams are college-level exams administered by the College Board and are taken each May by students who have completed year-long Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These exams offer students the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement by demonstrating their mastery of a particular subject area. By taking AP exams, students can save time and money in college, prepare for the rigors of college coursework, and showcase their academic abilities to colleges and universities.

• ASVAB - Primarily focused on career exploration, the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a valuable tool for anyone considering their future path. It assesses your strengths and weaknesses in a variety of areas relevant to many civilian careers. By identifying your aptitudes, the ASVAB can suggest potential career paths that align well with your skills and interests. Additionally, the ASVAB serves as a gateway to military enlistment. Your scores are used to determine eligibility and potential for success in specific military jobs (MOS) based on the strengths the test identifies.

• Benchmarks - Used in End-of-Course classes, benchmarks are used as "checkpoints" throughout the course. They're shorter assessments given at various points in the semester to gauge your understanding of smaller chunks of material. This allows you to focus your studying on areas that need improvement and feel confident about what you've already mastered. Benchmarks can help familiarize you with the types of questions you might see and help you develop test-taking skills.

• End-of-Course (EOC) Exams - End-of-Course (EOC) exams are mandatory tests you'll encounter in several key subjects: English 2, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and US History & the Constitution. They're designed to measure how well you've mastered the material in these essential courses.
  NOTICE: EOC exam scores count for  20% of your final grade in the course. Additionally, passing the EOC courses is a graduation requirement. 

• Final Exams - All courses are required to administer a final exam or have an equivalent substitute for the final exam grade. These assessments are designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts covered throughout the semester. Exams total 20% of your overall grade in a course.

• WIN Test - The WIN test is a Career Readiness Assesment to help students explore future career paths and demonstrate their readiness for the workforce. The WIN assessment covers four main areas: Work Ready Math, Work Ready Reading, Work Ready Data Analysis, and Essential Soft Skills. Students can expect a mix of question formats, including multiple choice and simulations that mimic real-world workplace scenarios.

If a student is observed handling or using a cell phone or other electronic communication device during testing, the student will be removed from the test session and the device will be searched by a school administrator. The student’s parents will be notified of the situation and a disciplinary consequence for refusing to obey will follow.

If it is discovered that a student possesses a cell phone or other electronic communication device during testing but is not observed handling or using the device (for example, the device rings, dings, or vibrates in a student’s pocket, purse, or bookbag), the device will be taken, the student will be allowed to continue testing, and a disciplinary consequence for refusing to obey will follow.

If the device is not made available for a school administrator to search, the student’s assessment will not be scored.

• In the case of End-of-Course (EOCEP) exams, this will result in a student receiving a score of 0 for the exam and thus, 20% of his/her grade in the course.

• In the case of IB and AP exams, this will result in the student having to the test voided and not graded.

• For any other state or district test, this will result in the student’s test being voided and not scored.

Updated 04/15/2024

• Plan Your Schedule - Mark those testing dates on your calendar and avoid scheduling any major commitments that could conflict

• Rest Up, Cav! - A well-rested mind is a sharp mind. Aim for a good night's sleep before each test

• Fuel Your Focus - Enjoy a healthy breakfast on test days. Your brain needs energy to perform its best

• Be on Time, Beat the Rush - Arrive at school early to settle in and avoid any last-minute stress 

• Know What to Bring - Double-check with your teachers for any specific materials you might need for the test (Pencils, Chromebook and charger, etc.)