January 21, 2016

ACT Aspire Information Update

Dear Parents,

Last week all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students took the ACT Aspire practice test in math and reading. This was the follow up to last years practice test time where students have taken the test in their classroom with their HR teachers.

The practice test has helped not just the students but teachers and test proctoring staff as well. During the first round of testing we had to troubleshoot different technical problems on our end and on ACT Aspire end. Fortunately, with each section it got easier. Thursday was the reading test, it went very smooth, it took an average of 40 minutes for the entire  grade level to complete the test. We only had few minor technical problems that were resolved in no time and did not have an impact on the students.

One of our reflections was that students did not perform at their best during the math test because of the technical issues we experienced. At this time, we all feel that we would like to do an additional math practice test so that students can feel successful in taking it with no technical problems. This additional practice test will be taken mid February.

The data gathered from the practice sessions will only be reviewed by grade levels with HR teachers to support creating a better testing environment. As we explained earlier in the year, the “official” results generated by the May testing will be reported to parents just as it has been done in the past with OAKS test.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions.

Ariana Levi, Student Support Services Coordinator