Assessment FAQ
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1) Why do schools need standardized testing?
Standardized testing holds teachers and schools accountable. Teachers and schools are responsible for teaching the students. Standardized tests demonstrate student comprehension. Standardized testing scores are public record. Schools with poor test scores are monitored more closely by the Department of Education to insure that they are effectively meeting educational standards. 2) What standardized testing does Tucson Youth Development/ACE Charter High School use? ATI/Galileo will be used for the 2015-2016 school year. This will replace the NWEA MAP tests that have been used in the past. ATI/Galileo is aligned to the new AZMERIT mandatory tests and also provide teachers with information to help students improve their testing skills. 3) How often will students be tested? Students will take a pre-test when starting a course, and take a post-test when they have completed the course. Students will also take quarterly benchmark tests to insure that they are growing academically year-round. Students will only take tests for classes in which they are currently enrolled. These tests are computerized and minimally disruptive to regular classes. 4) Why are students tested so often? Is it really needed? Frequent testing is essential to validate learning. Tests provide teachers with a "road map” to help students learn. Teachers use test results to determine what students have learned during each quarter and determine the academic areas requiring improvement. 5) How does standardized testing help my child? Standardized testing helps students focus on areas where greater comprehension is needed. As a result, each student receives individualized and efficient instruction and teachers can plan their lessons effectively. 6) Is it required that my student take the district standardized tests? Yes. At enrollment, students and parents/guardians are provided with the Parent-Student Handbook which explains standardized testing and the assessment process, how grades are determined, graduation requirements and other important information. Parents/guardians with standardized testing concerns are encouraged to discuss this with the principal during the student’s initial interview, prior to completing enrollment and before beginning classes. All enrolled students are expected to participate in District testing/assessments during the designated testing windows, and as required by the School. 7) Aren't grades sufficient to determine student progress? Classroom grades given by a teacher are, at the very least, minimally subjective in nature. Standardized tests are objective in nature. The ATI/Galileo standardized tests in the TYD district are scored by computers. The tests themselves are also developed by experts and each question undergoes an intense process to remove bias and ensure that it accurately assesses what a student has learned based on State standards. 8) What else does the school do with the results from tests? Results from pre and post-tests are used to determine how well the student grasped course content. They are also used to determine how well a teacher communicates the content of that course and how much academic improvement students need to achieve. Test results may also be used to determine where more resources may be needed. This helps teachers improve instruction and ultimately, insures that each student receives the support they need to succeed and graduate from high school. 9) Who do I talk to if I still have questions about standardized testing? If you have questions regarding standardized testing, you may contact the assistant principal at (520) 628-8316 to set up an appointment. 10) Where can I find additional information regarding standardized testing? For additional information regarding standardized testing, please visit: ATI/Galileo |
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