Testing Matters
In Morgan County, Testing Matters
The Kentucky Department of Education is in an interim period regarding state testing. During this interim period of testing, there are few things that may need clarification about what state testing means to our school and our students.
State testing will begin soon. The following chart represents the content and grade levels that will be tested during the April testing window.
| CONTENT | GRADE LEVEL |
|---|---|
| Reading | 3-8,10 |
| Math | 3-8,11 |
| Science | 4,7,11 |
| Social Studies | 5,8,11 |
| On-demand Writing | 5,8,12 |
| ACT EXPLORE | 8 |
| ACT PLAN | 10 |
| ACT | 11 |
The KCCT is a standards-based test that measures how well students are mastering specific skills that are required by the state at each of the grade levels. Also, all Kentucky public school students are required to take the Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) tests from ACT. Eighth grade students will take Explore, tenth grade students will take the PLAN, and eleventh grade students will take the ACT.
Why Do The Tests Matter?
KCCT scores provide an indication of whether students are making progress toward mastery of state content standards. For spring testing, Morgan County will be using these individual student results to make decisions regarding grade-level promotion or retention, and placement in remedial, intervention, and/or honors and advanced placement classes. For middle school students, the EXPLORE test was designed as the starting point of a long-term assessment system that continues with the PLAN and the ACT. All three programs are built around the same four tests: English, mathematics, reading and science. However, the material tested in each program gets progressively more difficult. With EXPLORE, the highest score possible is a 25, the PLAN a 32, and the ACT, a 36. Also, any high school student whose score on the PLAN and ACT examination in English, reading, or mathematics is below the state benchmarks shall be provided the opportunity to participate in accelerated learning designed to address his or her identified academic deficiencies prior to high school graduation.
It is important to be aware of both your child’s score on the assessments and the overall score for his/her school. If your child scores below the standards (Proficient or Distinguished), contact his/her guidance counselor or principal to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child’s learning at home.
Comments