State Assesments on the Horizon
Student Success Essential
by Kevin Steinert
School is back in session and it won't take long for things to be in full swing again. With that in mind, both parents and students should keep in mind that Kansas State Assessments loom on the horizon.
All schools in Kansas are required by the No Child Left Behind mandate to administer yearly assessments in reading and math. These assessments affect students in grades 3-11 excluding 9th graders. By Kansas mandate, each Kansas school must have a set percent of its students score at what is called the "Proficient" level on the math and reading assessment. If this "set percent" is not reached, the school goes on report and must set into motion a series of implemented strategies to enhance/promote student performance. FYI, "Proficient" varies from grade level to grade level and between reading and math.
With that being said, the question is, "So how do state assessments affect me? As a parent, very little other than you may be unhappy with how your child performed on each assessment. As a student, the affects can be greater. Students in grades 6-11, who score less than proficient on either/both the math or reading assessment, can find themselves placed in classes they would otherwise not choose to be in. In other words, students loose their opportunity to choose some of their classes. Both CJHS and CHS now offer remedial classes for students who don't perform well on the state assessments. In addition, many students not performing well on state assessments are required to take a "Test Strategy" class the 3rd quarter of the school year.
How can students increase their chances to do well on the state assessments? For starters, students who have good attendance at school (95% or higher), usually do well. Generally speaking, that means missing two or fewer days of school per quarter. Secondly, students need good sleep and eating habits. Students who eat and sleep well/healthy, do better in school and for that matter, life. Lastly, and probably most importantly, students have to have an inner drive to do well. Students who have had instilled within them an intrinsic drive greatly enhance their liklihood of present and future success.
If you have any questions about state assessments and when each is given, feel free to call the school for additional information. Again, state assessments are coming soon and are extremely important. We encourage all students involved to do their very best.
Trivia question: Be the first caller with the correct answer and win your CMS or CJHS students a small prize. My number at CMS is 243-2114 and CJHS is 243-2454 ext. 239. Good luck and thanks for logging on. Question: What is the elevation at sea level????
