St. Theresa Catholic School CogAT & Iowa Assessments 2015-2016 Parent information

OVERVIEW Testing dates Purpose, Importance, and Benefits of the CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test & Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) CogAT & Iowa Content Areas How is St. Theresa preparing the students? Tips for parents Test Results Q & A

Important Changes STANDARDIZATION is key in standardized testing! CogAT and Iowa Assessments will only be administered: Monday, April 11th- Thursday, April 21st Make-up testing will be limited to afternoons during this same testing window Make-up testing time will be reserved for EXCUSED absences ONLY

TESTING DATES CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test April 11th - April 15th Kindergarten – 7th grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) April 18th – April 21st Kindergarten – 8th grade

CogAT – COGNITIVE ABILITIES TEST Tests student ABILITY Assesses the level of understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills of students in three different areas: 1. Verbal 2. Quantitative 3. Non-verbal http://www.riversidepublishing.com/products/cogAT7/learnmore.html

CogAT - (Cont’d) Results of CogAT are generally used to predict the success of students in school Helps teachers understand and adapt to their student’s needs CogAT does not gauge other factors like: -motivation -effort -work habits

IOWA TESTS OF BASIC SKILLS (ITBS) Measures basic skills Assesses student achievement and educational development Helps determine how students are performing on nationwide standards Helps teachers identify a student’s strengths and areas for growth Measures student annual growth and progress Helps teachers guide and plan instruction

ITBS – Content Area Kindergarten: Reading, Language, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, and Mathematics Grades First-Second: Reading, Language, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science Third Grade: Reading, Written Expression, Conventions of Writing, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science Grades Fourth-Eighth: Reading, Written Expression, Conventions of Writing, Vocabulary, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science http://riversidepublishing.com/products/ia/learnmore.html

USING CogAT & ITBS TOGETHER Comparing the CogAT and the ITBS can: help identify if a student is working to their ability level identify a student’s strengthens and weaknesses help teachers adapt instruction to fit student needs. This information enables teachers to provide every opportunity for each child’s success.

Miscellaneous Information All questions and answers (except for Reading Part 2) are read aloud by the teacher for Kindergarten students All questions and answers (except for Vocabulary and Reading Parts 1 and 2) are read aloud by the teacher for 1st and 2nd grade students All other grades (3rd-8th) read all sections on their own

PREPARING STUDENTS Students have practiced test-taking strategies throughout the year Students will take practice CogAT and ITBS tests in the classrooms Teachers talk to their students about the upcoming tests Teachers and students discuss coping with anxiety and tips for being good test takers Teachers do not teach to the test. Teachers teach the curriculum.

The best thing you can do as a parent: Tips for Parents The best thing you can do as a parent: Provide positive support by expressing confidence in your child’s ability to do their best! Remind them that a test can be their chance to SHINE, but it’s also just a snapshot of how they perform on 1 day of their life. Test days: Provide a calm and stress-free environment each morning as your child gets ready for school Get up in plenty of time to avoid morning rush and anxiety Curtail nighttime extra-curricular activities & outings that may interfere with their regular bedtime routine

Encourage your child to… Get plenty of rest each night Eat a good breakfast Relax… don’t fret, but try hard to do your best Listen carefully and follow directions Read directions and questions carefully Think before you answer Don’t rush… but be aware of how much time is left Try to answer EVERY question (best guess is better than a blank) Check over your work when finished

TEST RESULTS Test results should be available in May. Test results will be distributed once we have received them. You can schedule a conference to discuss results with the teacher at that time.

Thank you for your time and continued support. Q & A Thank you for your time and continued support.