Dear Parent/Guardian:
Pioneer School is preparing for the annual administration of the state-required Smarter Balanced assessment. As listed on our calendar, students in Grades 3-8 will take the assessments beginning April 24th, 2023, and concluding on April 28th, 2023. State and federal law requires all students to participate in grade-level assessments for the academic achievement reporting.
Participation in this test is important. State assessments are based on the progression of skills and knowledge that are needed at particular grades to ensure students graduate college and career ready. Teachers use these state assessments as one of the many tools to understand individual student achievement and progress.
Our school uses state assessments to determine if we have reached the state educational goals, to identify areas for improvement, and to address any equity issues. Once we identify areas of improvement, we use the dates to set goals in our annual Comprehensive School Improvement Plan addressing student achievement needs.
Results from state assessments provide the state, our school, you, and your child with information about the knowledge gained over the past school year. Individual student reports give results from the test and will be sent home to parents when the test results are received. A new website is available for parents to assist in understanding and making meaning out of the score reports. This website can be found at www.startingsmarter.org. We encourage you, as a parent/guardian, to access this to better understand your child’s score. Remember, this assessment is only one measure of student learning, but when combined with grades, classroom assessments, and district-level assessments, the end-of-the-year assessments can give you a complete picture of your child’s abilities and help him/her down a path toward academic success.
Here are some things to note about the state assessments:
- Your child’s grades will not be impacted by their scores on the state assessments.
- Your child’s privacy will be protected. State and federal laws, such as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensure these data remain confidential.
- Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Section 504 plans or English Learner plans will be assessed based on individual student needs, consistent with all state and federal laws and regulations.
Here are some things you can do to help:
- Encourage your child to do their best in everything they do in school, including the end-of-the-year tests.
- Make sure he/she gets plenty of sleep the night before the test and has a healthy breakfast.
- Support your child by explaining the purpose of the tests and helping with homework and test reviews.
We appreciate your partnership in helping Pioneer School fulfill the state requirements for end-of-the-year assessments and supporting your child to do his/her best. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about state testing this year.
Sincerely,
Melissa Schnitzmeier
Principal/Superintendent, Pioneer Elementary
Sincerely,
Melissa Schnitzmeier
Principal/Superintendent, Pioneer School
