GEORGIA’S CRCT CRITERION-REFERENCED COMPETENCY TESTS 1st – 5th Grades April 19th-28th, 2011

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CRCT? The CRCT measures how well a student acquires the skills and knowledge described in the Georgia curriculum. The test gives information on academic achievement at the student, class, school, system and state levels.

WHO TAKES THE CRCT? Georgia law requires that the CRCT be given each year to all students who are enrolled in third through eighth grade in Georgia public schools. 1st and 2nd graders will take a test similar to the CRCT at the same time the rest of the students are testing.

WHAT AREAS ARE TESTED? 1st and 2nd grade students are tested in Reading, Language Arts and Math. 3rd – 8th grade students are tested in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

WHAT DAYS ARE THE TEST GIVEN? Tuesday, April 19th: Reading Wednesday, April 20th: Language Arts Thursday, April 21st: Math Wednesday, April 27th: Science Thursday, April 28th: Social Studies Testing begins each morning by 8:45 If a student is absent during testing he/she must make up the missed section. Students arriving late will not be admitted into testing site.

WHAT IS A PASSING SCORE? Scores at or above 850 indicate a level of performance that Exceeds the Standard set for the test. Scores from 800 – 849 indicate a level of performance that Meets the Standard set for the test. Scores below 800 indicate a level of performance that Does Not Meet the Standard set for the test. (This is the state’s minimum level of proficiency)

Why is 3rd grade considered a gateway? The Georgia law currently states that a student in 3rd grade must score at or above the 800 mark in the area of Reading in order to be promoted to the 4th grade. If a student does not score an 800 he/she will be remediated and retake the Reading portion of the CRCT on June 14th.

Why is 5th grade considered a gateway? 5th grade students must score at or above the 800 mark in the areas of Reading and Math in order to be promoted to 6th grade. Those who do not score the minimum of 800 in Reading or Math will be remediated and will retake those portions of the CRCT June 14th – June 16th.

OTHER POINTS ABOUT THE CRCT The 1st and 2nd grade test is scripted which means that the teacher reads all of the test to the students except for the Reading passages. Also, the teacher can only read the questions two times. 1st and 2nd grade students bubble the answers directly in their test booklets. 3rd – 5th grade students will use an answer sheet to bubble their answers, but can make notes and calculations in their test booklets if needed. Scores will arrive back in the system around mid May so parents should receive the scores before the last day of school. 3rd and 5th grade failing scores arrive back sooner so that remediation arrangements can be made.

Testing Tips for Students Go to bed at a reasonable time. Eat a good breakfast. Have everything you need – including glasses if you wear them! Always read ALL ANSWER CHOICES – even if you think the first one is correct. The next answer choice may be even better! Check the answer sheet to make sure you are filling in the bubbles completely and that you are marking the right number. Follow all directions.

Testing Tips for Students Don’t get frustrated by names in reading passages. For example – if you can’t read Mr. Bredenowski, just read Mr. B. in your mind. Look closely at graphs and their keys.

Testing Tips for Students Concentrate and do not rush! Do not guess unless you HAVE to, but also do not dwell on one problem for too long. Be confident. You have worked hard and this is your chance to show what you know. You may not be sure of every answer, but use your best thinking. Remember that you can get a good score on the test without getting every answer correct!

Testing Tips for Parents Make sure your child goes to bed early and gets up on time. Make sure the “morning routine” is as non-stressful as possible. Make sure your child has a good breakfast on test days. Our school will be providing free breakfast to any student who wants it on the days of testing.

Testing Tips for Parents continued: Do not schedule any morning dentist or doctor appointments the week of the test. Make sure your child has anything they may need - such as glasses or medication. If your child is truly sick, do not send him/her to school. We have make up days.

Testing Tips for Parents continued: Practice reading endurance – which means reading many long passages during one session. (Many of the children tire out midway through the test) Practice basic +, -, ÷ and x facts between now and test time. Build up your child by letting him know that you are proud of him and know he will do his best.

Where can I get more information? You can learn more about the CRCT by visiting the Georgia Department of Education web site @ http://www.doe.k12.ga.us