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What’s all the fuss about the CRCT?

What is the CRCT?  Georgia law, as amended by the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, requires that all students in grades one through eight take the CRCT in the content areas of reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. Students in grades three through eight are also assessed in science and social studies. The CRCT only assesses the content standards outlined in the GPS.  Due to budget constraints, the CRCT will not be administered in grades one and two in spring They will take a Reading End of Year Test on Tuesday, May 8 th, and a Math End of Year Test on Wednesday, May 9 th.

What is the Purpose of the CRCT?  To ensure students are learning at their grade level.  To provide data to teachers, schools, and school districts in order to make better instructional decisions.  Accountability (Annual Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind).

2012 Dates  Tuesday, April 10 – Reading  Wednesday, April 11 English/Language Arts  Thursday, April 12 – Math  Tuesday, April 17 – Science  Wednesday, April 18 – Social Studies  Friday, April 13; Monday, April 16; Thursday, April 18; Friday, April 20 – Make Up Tests

What is the Test Schedule?   Each day there are two tests in one subject area. Each test lasts a minimum of 45 minutes and students can have up to 70 minutes if needed.   There is a break of approximately 10 minutes between tests. During the break students must remain quiet as other rooms may not be finished testing.

How is Content Tested?  All sections of the CRCT are in multiple choice format with 4 possible answers.  All sections are read independently by the students.  Students may underline, circle, etc. in the book, but answers MUST go in the proper place on the ANSWER document.  Once a student has begun a section, he/she MUST complete it during that testing session.

What will the scores look like?  The CRCT measures how well a student has acquired knowledge and skills covered by the curriculum for their grade level.  Student scores are reported according to three performance levels: Exceeds Expectations (above 850) Exceeds Expectations (above 850) Meets Expectations ( ) Meets Expectations ( ) Does Not Meet Expectations (below 800) Does Not Meet Expectations (below 800)

How does the CRCT differ from a norm- referenced test (NRT)?   Criterion-referenced tests, such as the CRCT, are designed to measure how well students acquire, learn, and accomplish the knowledge and skills set forth in a specific curriculum or unit of instruction.   The CRCT is specifically intended to test Georgia's performance/content standards outlined in the GPS.   Norm-referenced tests (NRT), such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), measure instructional standards commonly taught throughout the entire United States of America.   Additionally, NRTs highlight differences between and among students across an achievement continuum (the bell curve).

How are test results used?  To provide information about the academic achievement of students, classes, schools, school systems, and the state  To identify individual student strengths and weaknesses

What are the Benchmark Years?  Third grade students ARE REQUIRED to Meet or Exceed Expectations in the area of Reading in order to be considered for promotion  Fourth grade students ARE EXPECTED to Meet or Exceed Expectations for both READING and MATH  Fifth grade students ARE REQUIRED to Meet or Exceed Expectations for both READING and MATH in order to be considered for promotion

Are Students With Disabilities or students who are English Language Learners required to take the CRCT?  State rules, the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandate that all students participate in the state assessment program.  All students are tested in all content areas of the CRCT, and they are tested on grade level. Some students with exceptionalities take the CRCT-M.

Weeks Before the Test We Will… Review all standards Reinforce standards taught Give students chance to practice and feel more comfortable about their skills

What can I do to help my child? Students who are prepared, calm, and rested perform better on tests.

Encourage good study habits and test- taking skills Encourage good study habits and test- taking skills Explain the purpose of the test. Explain the purpose of the test. Let your child know that you consider the test important. Let your child know that you consider the test important. Point out some items may be more difficult than others--it’s ok if he/she doesn’t know all of the answers. Point out some items may be more difficult than others--it’s ok if he/she doesn’t know all of the answers. Reassure your child he/she will have ample time to complete the test. Reassure your child he/she will have ample time to complete the test.

Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep and has a good breakfast on test days. Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep and has a good breakfast on test days. Be sure your child is at school on time on test days. Be sure your child is at school on time on test days. Remember to ask your child about testing at the end of each day. Remember to ask your child about testing at the end of each day.

Resources for CRCT Practice can be found on our website.  The URL is  Select Rincon Elementary from the pull-down menu under select a school  Click on students from the menu choices  Click on CRCT Practice

Parent Testing Resources can also be found on our website.  The URL is  Select Rincon Elementary from the pull-down menu under select a school  Click on Parents from the menu choices  Click on Testing Help  Click on Georgia Department of Education

OAS A computer based program provided by the Georgia Department of Education that provides practice CRCT questions for your child to become more familiar with test material and format.

Jeopardy Labs CRCT Practice Jeopardy Labs has some Jeopardy Games that are good review for the CRCT Click on Students and scroll down to Jeopardy Labs CRCT Practice Choose your grade level and subject you want to practice

Thank you for sharing your child with us! Thank you for working with them at home. Thank you for listening and encouraging. Thank you for caring and coming!